DU to Request Timely Release of Funds from Delhi Government for 12 Colleges

Delhi government will be made aware of the findings and recommendations of SPS committee report

Delhi University (DU) has decided to formally request the Delhi Government to ensure the timely release of funds for 12 colleges that are fully funded by the state. This decision was made during the first-ever joint meeting of the Executive Council (EC) and Academic Council (AC).

The meeting highlighted the pressing need for funds, excluding salaries and wages, to address deficits and maintain academic standards across these institutions. Additionally, the university will request the Public Works Department (PWD) to prioritize the repair and maintenance of college infrastructure to better serve students.

Committee Report Confirms 12 Colleges’ Status as Integral Parts of DU

The joint council meeting also reviewed the findings of the Shri Prakash Singh Committee, which was formed to investigate allegations made by Delhi Education Minister Atishi regarding the management of these 12 colleges. The committee’s report affirmed that these colleges are essential components of DU and cannot be disaffiliated. The report further clarified that the creation of teaching and non-teaching posts in these colleges was done according to the rules, with no unauthorized transfers of funds or irregular payments.

The report also countered the allegations of financial mismanagement, stating that no financial irregularities were found in the operations of these colleges. It concluded that any attempt to disaffiliate these colleges would not only be legally unjustified but would also harm the interests of students, faculty, and the academic community. The committee’s findings were unanimously accepted by the EC.

Ongoing Disputes and Delhi Government Response

This meeting comes in the backdrop of ongoing disputes between the Delhi Government and DU over the management and funding of these 12 colleges. Recently, the Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) raised concerns over severe staff shortages and delays in salary payments, attributing these issues to the Delhi Government’s alleged fund cuts. DUTA’s statement highlighted that out of the required 1,512 teaching positions, only 824 are currently filled, with similar shortages in non-teaching staff. They accused the government of slashing funds by ₹200 crore annually, exacerbating the colleges’ financial difficulties.

Delhi Education Minister Atishi, however, responded by alleging “grave procedural irregularities” in these colleges, pointing to a special audit conducted in 2020. According to her, the audit uncovered significant lapses in financial management, including the creation of posts and recruitments without the government’s approval. She argued that the colleges had appointed 1,897 staff members, both teaching and non-teaching, without proper authorization from the Delhi Government.

Atishi further asserted that these colleges have received an annual grant exceeding ₹300 crore from the Delhi Government for several years and should be held accountable for any misuse of these funds. She called for an inquiry into the colleges' operations and suggested recovering salaries paid to staff appointed without approval since 2015.

Amid these tensions, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government recently released ₹100 crore as the second installment of funds to these 12 colleges, bringing the total disbursement for the current fiscal year to ₹200 crore. This move is seen as a partial relief for the colleges, which have been grappling with financial strain.

In another development aimed at addressing the staffing crisis, DU has permitted the appointment of guest faculty in these 12 colleges. This decision, outlined in an official order dated August 13, 2024, from the Deputy Registrar (Colleges), is significant as guest faculty appointments are generally restricted in other DU-affiliated colleges. The order clarified that this exception was made due to prolonged delays in hiring permanent teaching staff, allowing these colleges to continue their academic activities without disruption.