Delhi University Tightens Guest Faculty Appointment Rules; Faculty Raises Concerns

Delhi University revises rules on guest faculty appointments, limiting them to specific leave vacancies. Faculty members oppose the directive, arguing that it will increase existing teachers' workload and negatively impact teaching quality.

Delhi University has revised its regulations for appointing guest faculty, now mandating that such appointments can only be made against specific leave vacancies like maternity leave, child care leave, and study leave. This directive has faced significant opposition from faculty members, who argue that it should be withdrawn due to the increased workload it imposes on existing teachers.

In a letter sent to colleges on Wednesday, the university specified that guest faculty appointments should strictly align with specific types of leave vacancies, including maternity leave, child care leave, study leave, sabbatical leave, medical leave, and extra-ordinary leave. The letter stated, "Principal(s) / Director(s) of University Colleges/Institutions are requested to ensure that under no circumstances the appointment of guest faculty shall be made except against the leave vacancy i.e. Maternity Leave, Child Care Leave, Study Leave, Sabbatical Leave, Medical Leave and Extra Ordinary Leave and seek the panel of experts from the University only for these specific reasons."

The university also urged colleges to regularly fill vacant sanctioned teaching posts using established processes. "All vacant positions be advertised immediately and selection be made following due processes and procedures laid down in this behalf expeditiously," the university added.

Faculty members expressed disappointment over the directive, stating it will adversely affect the teaching and learning process as well as increase the workload for current educators. "It is unfortunate that the University issues such notifications, which have a detrimental effect on the teaching-learning processes and the workload of teachers, without any discussion or consultation in statutory bodies," said Abha Dev Habib, a faculty member at Miranda House.

Habib emphasized that previous reforms, like the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) and delayed admissions from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), have already harmed the university's reputation and impacted student learning alongside the joy of teaching. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, an elected Academic Council member, echoed these concerns and highlighted additional issues, stating, "The latest DU directive on guest teachers will have a tremendous negative impact on the teaching-learning process in colleges and university departments. Posts haven't been sanctioned to meet EWS reservation in admissions. No permanent recruitment has taken place in the 12 DU colleges which are 100 percent funded by the Delhi Government. The workload arising out of these long-standing issues cannot be managed by the existing staff. As a result, there will be total chaos in the University."