DU ad-hoc teachers on hunger strike for permanent status

More than 200 Delhi University (DU) ad-hoc teachers observed a daylong hunger strike here on Friday to press their demand that they be absorbed as permanent faculty.

The teachers from across Delhi University colleges sat at the Arts Faculty building and addressed their peers on the "irregularities" being committed by the varsity.

"There are a total of 200-250 teachers who are observing a day-long hunger strike... And another 1,500 are associated with the movement," Himanshu Singh, Assistant Professor (ad-hoc), Satyawati College (Evening), told IANS over the phone.

He said that these teachers are not being made permanent for a long time, and are forced to enjoy a sub-par status, in that they do not get to avail many facilities which permanent faculty get.

"Some of us have been teaching us for more than ten years, some even more. Why are we not good enough for permanent status, when the university can trust us with teaching students, their evaluation, and their careers?" Singh added.

The ad-hoc teachers too were hired after clearing the same interview process as is conducted for permanent faculty, he said.

Another ad-hoc teacher, Prem Kumar from Satyawati College said that they will also march to the Vice-Chancellor's office and present him with a charter on their demands.

The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) also extended its support to the protesting teachers.

--IANS

vn/sm/vt