AUD shoots letter seeking explanation for absenteeism; teachers claim invitation non-mandatory
AUD has sent letter to six teachers asking them to explain reasons for their “absenteeism” from the inauguration of a multipurpose block and auditorium by Manish Sisodia.
Teachers of various universities across Delhi have taken serious note of a letter sent to nearly six teachers of Dr B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) by the university for being absent from an inaugural function where Deputy Chief Manish Sisodia was the chief guest.
AUD has sent a letter to these faculty members asking them to explain reasons for their “absenteeism” from the inauguration of a multipurpose block and auditorium by Sisodia.
An association of university teachers in Delhi, the Democratic Teachers Federation (DTF) has condemned the move and has argued that teachers were informed about the event but were not told that attendance was ‘mandatory’.
The event was held on November 2, when the Multipurpose Block and the Auditorium at AUD Karampura Campus were inaugurated by Manish Sisodia. The university administration in its letter sent to teachers has stated that it had taken “serious note” of the incident.
In order to have larger participation, an invite was sent to all the teaching and non-teaching employees/officials.
“Accordingly, it is requested to all such faculty members, who were not present in the above said function, to inform the AS Division about the valid reason for the said absenteeism in the event. A reply may please be sent to the AS Division latest by 10.11.2021 up to 05.30 pm so that all information may be placed before the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor,” the email to teachers read.
“This show cause asking teachers to explain their absence smacks of highhandedness on more than one count. First, it suggests that teachers who were not present because of engagement with classes or other academic work have committed some wrongdoing for having given priority to their academic work. Secondly, it appears that not attending an event where the Deputy Chief Minister was present constitutes some misdemeanour,” mentions DTF in a statement.
Demanding withdrawal of the letter, DTF has stated that this is an example of the kind of VIP culture that has become rampant whereby teachers and students in universities are expected to dance in attendance in events where ministers are present. It states: “Such expectations constitute an erosion of the autonomy of academic activity and give undue importance to routine administrative activities.”
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