In a major policy shift, Delhi University has set a restriction on the appointment of guest faculty, barring such appointments in case permanent faculty members are on leave. The August 7, 2024, directive said that the guest faculty would fill up the position fallen vacant due to maternity leave, child care leave, study leave, sabbatical leave, medical leave, and extraordinary leave..

Official Directive

The direction, issued by the Deputy Registrar (Colleges), points out that the guest faculty appointments should be made only strictly based on these guidelines. It clearly says, “Under no circumstances shall the appointment of guest faculty be made except against the leave vacancy”.. The measure is to make the entire process of appointment coherent in nature and that every vacancy is immediately notified and the selection also be made accordingly.

Faculty Response

The decision has led to disgruntlement among the faculty, who feel that the restriction will affect the teaching and learning atmosphere. The opponents point out that restriction on appointment of guest faculty will increase the workload of existing teachers and affect the quality of education ‘.’ The Democratic Teachers Front has written to the university demanding withdrawal of the directive, stating it will affect the academic framework ‘.’

Regular Appointments Demanded

Apart from the curbs on guest faculty, the university has also asked colleges to regularly fill up the vacant sanctioned teaching posts. This appeal for action is part of a greater movement toward betterment of the academic infrastructure in the university and making sure that teaching positions are adequately staffed to support the learning of students.

It has been a period of tremendous change for Delhi University, and both faculty and students are speaking volumes about what this could mean for them.