Delhi University Teachers Accuse Plagiarism in Drafting 'DU Strategic Plan 2022-2047'

Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) has questioned the validity of adopting trendy phrases like "interdisciplinarity" and "student-centric" without substantive academic merit.

A controversy has erupted as Delhi University teachers alleged extensive plagiarism within the 'DU Strategic Plan 2022-2047 document.' Faculty members claimed that sections of the document were directly lifted from international universities such as the University of Sheffield, Ohio State University, and IGNOU.

The teachers vehemently demanded an immediate withdrawal of the document, expressing shock at the blatant replication of content. They highlighted that numerous segments, including the preface asserting a desire to comprehend and transform the world, were copied verbatim from foreign university websites.

The educators criticized the strategic plan for being academically chaotic and disconnected from the actual challenges faced by Delhi University. They asserted that borrowing from institutions with distinct realities negates the needs for equitable access to quality education within India.

Moreover, the document's underlying intention, as per the teachers, appeared to advocate for a shift towards self-financing through branding, marketing initiatives, and embracing a corporate leadership model. They pointed out concrete evidence hinting at alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which they believed emphasizes market-driven education.

Delhi University faculty also criticized the plan for disregarding critical issues affecting the teaching-learning environment, such as increased student-teacher ratios, larger class sizes, and a decline in in-depth learning due to a broader range of mandatory papers for undergraduate students.

Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) has questioned the validity of adopting trendy phrases like "interdisciplinarity" and "student-centric" without substantive academic merit. They cautioned against the document's reliance on market funding, emphasizing that it could erode the university's public character and reshape academic programs.

Additionally, the strategic plan was scrutinized for advocating fee hikes, emphasizing financial diversification through private sources, potentially leading to the privatization of public institutions like Delhi University.

In conclusion, the teachers urged the university administration to withdraw the document, emphasizing the need to address the concerns raised. They criticized its apparent alignment with market-driven education models, expressing concerns about the potential repercussions on the university's academic integrity and social responsibilities.

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