SRCC Faculty Protest: Clash Over Leave Policies

Teachers at Shri Ram College of Commerce protested against the administration's refusal to grant leave, citing centenary celebrations as the reason. The dispute centers on the rejection of Child Care Leave and the formation of a non-statutory Leave Advisory Committee, which staff argue lacks transparency and representation.

On Thursday, faculty members at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) took to the campus to protest against what they see as unfair leave policies imposed by the college administration.

According to Dr. Saurabh Gupta of the SRCC Staff Association, the administration has routinely rejected leave requests since December 2025, using the college's centenary celebrations as justification. Dr. Gupta argues that the centenary cannot override statutory employee rights, particularly when it comes to Child Care Leave (CCL), which has been denied to four faculty members recently. CCL, according to the teachers, is a statutory right for government employees.

Beyond the immediate CCL issue, the staff have raised concerns over the increased rigidity of medical leave policies and the introduction of a Leave Advisory Committee, which they claim lacks transparency and proper representation. Efforts to negotiate a resolution have failed, prompting a symbolic rally on campus, while teaching activities continue. The teachers maintain that the protest is not against the centenary itself, but against the erosion of statutory rights, unilateral decision-making, and lack of transparency by the administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)