BHU Faculty Announces Mega Protest on April 6 After Midnight Talks Fail
In a significant development, academicians from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), including assistant professors and senior position-holders, have declared their intention to stage a mega protest on April 6. This decision comes after a meeting with the university administration that continued until midnight on Wednesday failed to yield any positive outcome.
Demands Focus on Career Progression and UGC Norms
The protesting faculty members met with the vice chancellor to press for several key demands. These include the immediate removal of barriers to career progression, specifically under notional increment, prior service counting, and the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme. They emphasized that all their demands are in strict accordance with UGC norms that are applicable to other universities across the country.
Allegations of Rule Distortion and Misinterpretation
The academicians have placed blame squarely on the deputy registrar's office, accusing it of distorting and misinterpreting university rules. This alleged misconduct has caused deep resentment among the entire teaching community at BHU. They claim that such actions have unjustly blocked notional increment and promotions under DACP in the medical college for the past four years, forcing faculty members to run from pillar to post in search of resolution.
Breach of Confidentiality and Procedural Violations
In a serious allegation, the protestors stated that the confidentiality of recommendations made by a grievance committee constituted by the BHU executive council was breached. Moreover, they asserted that the report from this committee is being deliberately delayed by the same officials. As per established rules, the committee's report was supposed to be sent to a higher grievance committee for review. However, the member secretary submitted the report directly to the registrar, which the faculty members highlight as a clear violation of procedural norms.
Impact on Careers and Families
The prolonged delays and alleged injustices have not only caused irreparable damage to the careers of the faculty but have also brought serious financial and mental distress to their families. The protestors warn that if justice is not delivered promptly, they will escalate their actions by sending a detailed report to the Prime Minister's Office and carrying out phased protests in a democratic manner starting from April 6.
Administrative Hindrances and Failed Dialogue
The academicians further alleged that officials within the university administration have consistently hindered the process of organizing a direct dialogue between them and the vice chancellor. Their efforts were reportedly successful, as the intended talks could not materialize, leading to the current impasse and the announcement of the upcoming protest.
The situation at BHU remains tense as the faculty prepares for what they describe as a mega protest, underscoring the growing discontent over administrative practices and career progression issues in one of India's premier educational institutions.
