Semester protest costs teachers their salary
In order to register their protest against the semester system at the undergraduate level, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) decision to stay away from the admission process has cost them dearly. To take action against them, the university has decided to not give teachers their salary for the admission period, which has once again started a debate about the new semester system among college teachers and students.
Deepak Pental, vice chancellor, DU, says that it’s necessary to take this step against those teachers who are not fulfilling their duties. “Why are admissions not carried out collectively? I’m only concerned about the welfare of students. The university pattern has not been reviewed since 1988. I’m sure the new cycle will empower the base of education. We are not taking any strict action against any authority. We only want the staff to co-operate with us, to improve this initiative,” he adds.
The proposed semester system will be in 12 science undergraduate courses from the academic session beginning July. The system proposes that each of the three years in Honours courses would be divided into two semesters. At the end of each semester, centrally evaluated examinations will be held.
However, members of DUTA have expressed their dissatisfaction over the move, which they claim to be a violation of the university law. Aditya Narayan Misra, president, DUTA, says, “It’s an undemocratic method of implementing the new system. Before any move, they need to consult the committee of the course, faculty members, academic council, executive council and the President. As all these steps were ignored, how can the VC finalise this move? We are not opposed to any change, but to evolve the academic course structure, the university needs to take into account teachers’ opinion.”
Interestingly, students give a mixed reaction. “We feel that the semester system will only burden students. The new pattern will make students appear for exams all year long, with no time for any extracurricular activities,” says Devika Gupta, a B. Com student, Hindu College.
And many feel that the staff crunch will only add extra pressure on students. “Can a short-staffed Delhi University tackle the semester system? I could not opt for the subject I wanted due to faculty shortage. There were insufficient teachers in the course I wanted. The semester system with more exams will be stressful for both teachers as well as students,” says Nupur Sharma, a DU student.
But there are a few who think that the semester system will keep students abreast with studies. “With the semester system at the graduate level, it will be easier for students to follow it in their post-graduation. With main exams twice a year, students will remain in touch with studies throughout the year,” says Preeti Gulati, student, St. Stephen’s College.
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