Fifteen departments of Delhi University have been functioning without deans and chairpersons since last May. Pointing to this “mismanagement” in the varsity, several teachers suggest it has had adverse impact on research scholars and faculty members. Many senior teachers of DU have written to the vice-president of India, Venkaiah Naidu, and the MHRD to personally get involved with the management and see that vacant posts are filled.
Members of the DU court, the executive council and the finance committee said they are shocked and anguished over the non-fulfillment of key positions in DU. “This is causing hardship to students, teachers and karamcharis,” a member said. The psychiatry department hasn’t had a head since June 30 last year and other departments like radiology and pediatric have no head since last October.
In their letter, the DU court members pointed out that research scholars cannot avail their financial grants from their funding agencies like Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme of the University Grants Commission, etc. as the forms need to be signed by the respective heads of departments. The letter also stated that the scholars and teachers intending to attend international conferences are facing problems as the applications need to be forwarded by the respective department heads as well.
JL Gupta, former EC member stated that there has been a poor attitude of the university in appointing heads and deans. “Delay in the appointment of department heads may affect the tenure of other persons. Even forms for PhD submissions are being delayed,” he said.
