Is DU anti-reforms?

MiD DAY asks university faculty, which is opposing the introduction of semester and biometric attendance systems

Is DU anti-reforms?

MiD DAY asks university faculty, which is opposing the introduction of semester and biometric attendance systems

While several other reputed institutions across the world are doing fine implementing the semester system of examination and biometric system of attendance for the teachers, the Delhi University is still pushing them away as taboo.

The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) has been opposing tooth and nail the introduction of the semester system as well as biometric machines for attendance, calling them "forceful and undemocratic".

"We insist on debate and discussion on the issues. We reject the forceful imposition of such systems in an undemocratic manner by the Vice-Chancellor," DUTA president Aditya Narayan Misra said.

However, some teachers blamed it on the generation gap. They feel that since a number of teachers are "old" they are averse to "change".

"We are not habitual of the emerging technologies. During our time, we used to sit in the library and make notes. Now the student wants everything, spoon fed. Also, infrastructure at the varsity could not keep pace with the development. I know whatever is being done is for a good reason. Hope, the university takes into account the problems of teachers also," said Seema Parihar, a Kirori Mal College Professor.

Ratan Lal, who teaches history at Hindu College, said: "The teachers are not against any such changes.

However, we want that they should be brought in from top to bottom and include the Vice-Chancellor, registrars and principal of all the colleges. Moreover, the daily engagement of the all the top officials should be made public."

The DUTA plans to organize a dharna outside the Executive Council meet today wherein the Vice-Chancellor has re-listed the item on the agenda. The Vice-Chancellor had to adjourn the last executive council meeting as the teachers' representatives marched out of the house demanding priority based debate on the issue.

Justifying the changes, Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental said: "Every time change is sought to brought in, a certain section of society opposes it. And it is true for all systems and regimes. For instance, the CAT examination which has been made online from this year. There were people for and against such changes. But ultimately it happened."

However, the students' body of the varsity begged to differ. They feel that the semester system will lead to lesser involvement of students in extracurricular activities, But, they are all for the biometric attendance system.

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