New Delhi – A decision to terminate the contracts of six ad hoc teachers in the Hindi department of Satyawati College, part of Delhi University, has stirred a storm of controversy. Several prominent educators at Delhi University have written to Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, urging him to reconsider the dismissals and absorb these teachers into the university’s faculty.
Eleven teachers were recently recruited to the Hindi department, following a selection process conducted by an open selection committee. The officiating principal of Satyawati College, Harinder Kumar, defended the decision to remove the six ad hoc teachers, emphasizing that the decision was unanimous and reached by an expert panel. Kumar pointed out that these teachers did not meet their academic responsibilities in a timely manner, and the college’s actions were in line with the appointments process.
Satyawati (evening) College had advertised 16 positions in its Hindi department, which already had 11 ad hoc faculty members. Following interviews held between September 1 and 16, six ad hoc teachers were let go, five were granted regular teaching positions, and 11 new candidates were appointed.
Critics, including senior Delhi University teachers, have characterized this move as inhumane and a mockery of the recruitment process, pointing out that the dismissed teachers had exemplary academic qualifications, extensive teaching experience, and a strong record of publications. They further noted that these teachers represented diverse backgrounds, with one from the Scheduled Tribe community, another from the Other Backward Classes, and one with a visual impairment.
Visually impaired teacher Parvati Kumari, who had been serving at the college since 2020, expressed her deep disappointment at the termination of her ad hoc position, which had provided her with hope for a permanent role. She emphasized the need for society to reflect on such actions that affect individuals profoundly.
Delhi University teachers have long advocated for the absorption of all ad hoc teachers through a one-time University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation. The controversy surrounding these terminations highlights the ongoing debate over job security and fairness in academic appointments.
Efforts to contact Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The termination of these teachers has ignited discussions on the need for greater job security for educators in higher education institutions and has drawn attention to the challenges faced by ad hoc faculty members.
