In response to the Delhi government’s recent declaration that financial support would be provided to only 12 Delhi University colleges upon de-affiliation, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh has communicated with Education Minister Atishi. Emphasizing the colleges’ ongoing association with the university, Singh urged the state to persist in providing funding for them.
In a letter addressed to Atishi, Delhi Education Minister, Singh requested the withdrawal of her earlier communication, underscoring the significance of consistent funding for these colleges in the best interest of the students. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the crucial need for funding continuity, stressing the integral role it plays in ensuring the educational well-being of the students enrolled in these institutions.
In a letter dated January 16, Singh emphasized that 12 Delhi University colleges receive full funding from the government. These educational institutions were established between 1986 and 1998, following a proposal from the Delhi administration. The primary objective behind their establishment was to address the educational requirements of students in Delhi, with the provision of 100% financial support.
Singh further highlighted that the question of disaffiliation falls within the purview of the academic council, executive council, and the court of Delhi University. This underscores the significance of these governing bodies in making decisions related to the affiliation status of these institutions. He emphasized the colleges’ enduring connection with DU, underscoring that disaffiliation could have negative repercussions on both students and the overall learning atmosphere.
Colleges receive grants in the name of the society, and these funds come with specific conditions. These conditions include the submission of a utilization certificate, the maintenance of a separate account, and the requirement for auditing by a Chartered Accountant. Singh emphasized that grants have been consistently received without interruption since the formation of the colleges, and these financial allocations originate from the Delhi government.
On December 2, Atishi addressed a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, bringing attention to purported irregularities in the operations of 12 Delhi government-funded colleges affiliated with Delhi University. In her communication, she urged the minister to consider either relinquishing full control to the Delhi government or taking charge of their funding mechanisms.
Atishi proposed the option of disaffiliating these colleges from DU and transforming them into the campuses of Ambedkar University. She emphasized that if these colleges continued their affiliation with DU, the Delhi government would withhold grant-in-aid allocations starting from the next fiscal year.
According to insiders within the Delhi government, there is a clear stance on funding for certain colleges. The financial support will be extended only if these institutions undergo the process of de-affiliation. If Delhi University opts against de-affiliation, the responsibility for funding is expected to shift to either the central government or the University Grants Commission. This decision is prompted by concerns over irregularities within the colleges in question.
Maya John, a member of Delhi University’s academic council, voiced her worries about the numerous instructors, support personnel, and students in the 12 Delhi University colleges receiving insufficient recognition. She claims that these stakeholders are not given enough credit in the affiliation decision-making procedures.
John drew attention to the conspicuous lack of communication and consultation with these important parties during the affiliation decision-making process. The university’s decision-making processes’ inclusion and transparency are called into question by this exclusion.
