In the face of the pandemic, DUTA has appealed to the acting Vice-Chancellor to take up some immediate actions. The letter states the dire situation going on amidst which all sections have been severely affected and a number of teaching and non-teaching staff have lost their lives. It has called for some steps to be taken to bring relief in this hour of crisis.
Relief for Teachers
The letter asked to incorporate the institution of special leave for ad-hoc teachers. It also included the facility of compensation to be provided in case of need. Such provisions were demanded not just for ad-hoc teachers but also for the non-teaching staff working on a contractual basis. DUTA has been protesting for the delayed and unpaid grants of 12 DU colleges since the start of March.
In the last few hours, the country has recorded more than 3 Lakh fresh COVID-19 cases with more than 2,000 deaths. There has been an immense need for oxygen cylinders and hospital beds which is not being met. In view of this situation, DUTA has called for paid medical leave for the period of illness of the teacher and the same in case of illness of their dependent family members. Along the same lines, it has also asked to extend the provisions of the Teacher’s Welfare fund (TWF) to ad-hoc teachers, in order to bring relief to the families in sufferance.
It also appealed that the university should request the government for a compensation of 2.5 crores to the families of those faculty members who lost their lives because of Covid-19.
DUTA has been protesting for a large number of issues. From denial of funds to facilities for ad-hoc teachers, against the service termination G.N Saibaba and more. It even started Jan-Samvad to bring public attention to the issue of colleges being pushed towards privatisation. As the gruesome situation of pandemic escalated DUTA suspended its agitation.
The letter implored the University to explore various ways in which help could be extended to those in need and also to strengthen facilities at WUS Health Centres and V.P. Chest Institute.
“The University should maintain a panel of doctors who can be consulted online and also start a centralised helpline service for those in distress.”
Action demanded for Students
The letter also demanded some relief for the students who would be facing exams in the upcoming month. It asked for the extension of the submission deadline for Internal Assessments and for the exams to be postponed.
“Students and teachers should not be subjected to this additional stress in these difficult times.”
