DU withdraws circular on increasing workload of faculty members

In the recent update Delhi University has withdrawn a circular regarding the workload of senior faculty members. The decision comes after the increase in workload on faculty members and further it also faced heavy criticism from teaching staff on social media.

The circular was to align with workload of junior faculty members with the senior members. The circular was issued on October 15,2024 by the university administration. It asked the principals and directors of DU colleges and other departments to assign the senior faculty members and professors with the same workload as assistant professors on lower rank positions.

As per the guidelines of university grants commission (UGC), the senior faculty members, including professors and associate professors were required to complete 14 hours of work per week. On the other hand, the junior faculty members, the assistant professors have been assigned 14-hour weekly workload.  However, the recent circular suggested, the senior faculty members must take on an additional two hours of work, which has been linked to promotions under the career advancement scheme (CAS)

Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a DU professor and member of the Academic Council was quoted sharing by news agency PTI. "When the UGC regulations do not differentiate between associate professors through direct recruitment or promotion, then why is DU issuing this notification? This needs to be completely rejected, and DU must immediately roll back this notification,"

A faculty member and secretary of the Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) rather criticised the recent university policy, the countered with, instead of hiring teaching staff, the university is increasing the workload of existing faculty by increasing the teaching hours. As per them, it is an unfair move by Delhi University. On the other hand, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) remained quiet on the matter.

After growing criticism, the university has now retracted the directive and issued another circular later the same day. The university then confirmed the withdrawal of the previous statement on the workload of faculty.  Any further clarification on the matter would be provided in due course.