Professor resigns: Face-off brews between Delhi University, HRD ministry

NEW DELHI: Even as another assistant professor resigned from the University College of Medical Science (UCMS) earlier this month, another face-off between the HRD ministry and Delhi University administration seems to be brewing. Sources said the university has decided to ignore the directives on transfer of UCMS to Delhi government.

During the past three years, the HRD ministry has made repeated attempts to resolve the issue of duality and numerous meetings have been held in which even DU vice-chancellor, Dinesh Singh, had participated. The ministry finally wrote a letter on October 1 requesting Singh to complete the formalities of transfer of UCMS to Delhi government within a month. However, status quo exists even after 80 days.

"At the instigation of a small section of faculty and staff, the VC has adopted an obstructionist position which goes contrary to the decision of the HC. The VC has ignored the ministry's directive where it is clearly written that the decision of the Cabinet has to be implemented," said a UCMS faculty member in favour of the transfer.

"More than two months have passed but nothing has happened. The authorities said that the matter will be taken up in academic and executive councils. Initially it was said that that EC will take up the matter in the first week of December, but no urgency has been seen. If they really wished to honour the ministry's decision, the VC could have arranged an EC meeting the same day," said another teacher from UCMS.

TOI had earlier reported faculty leaving UCMS and the question was raised in Parliament. Smriti Irani told Parliament that nobody has cited lack of pay/promotion as reason for resignation. However, the faculty member who recently resigned stated "lack of promotion/pay and grade pay of Rs 6,000" as the reason (a copy of the document is with TOI). He even sent a copy of the letter to the principal and ministry of health and family welfare.

Dinesh Singh could not be reached for his comments.