Delhi Teachers Oppose Govt’s Takeover of UCMS, Call It a Threat to DU’s Integrity

The Delhi government, through an official order dated March 18, 2025, has defended its decision, citing a long-standing proposal to bring UCMS under the administration of the Health & Family Welfare Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi

The Aam Aadmi Party Teachers Association (AADTA) has opposed the Delhi government’s recent order to take over the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) from Delhi University (DU) starting April 1, 2025.

AADTA alleged that the takeover is an attempt to "balkanize DU" and facilitate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which they claim promotes privatization and contractualization in higher education. The association also condemned the move as being against the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) resolution advocating for university- or UGC-led administration of DU colleges.

“The office order unilaterally alters the service conditions of UCMS faculty and staff, which is completely unacceptable. It also aims to weaken the academic diversity of DU and dismantle the century-old university structure,” AADTA said. The association further recalled past instances where similar government efforts, including attempts to alter the status of the College of Arts, were successfully resisted during Aditya Narayan Misra’s tenure as DUTA President.

Delhi Govt Cites Court Ruling to Justify UCMS Takeover

The Delhi government, through an official order dated March 18, 2025, has defended its decision, citing a long-standing proposal to bring UCMS under the administration of the Health & Family Welfare Department of the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD). The order refers to a 2005 decision by the Union Council of Ministers and a subsequent 2016 approval by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to transfer UCMS from DU to the state government.

However, the transfer was previously stalled due to legal challenges from the UCMS Teachers Association and Karamchari Union, which led to a stay order from the Delhi High Court in 2016. That stay was lifted by the High Court on February 19, 2024, effectively clearing the way for the Delhi government to assume control over UCMS.

According to the Delhi government’s order:

All UCMS assets, including land, buildings, equipment, and infrastructure, will be transferred to GNCTD’s Health & Family Welfare Department.

Teaching and non-teaching staff will be absorbed into the Delhi government system, with their service conditions remaining unchanged until further orders.

Budgetary provisions for UCMS will now be managed by GNCTD under different grant heads.

Despite the government’s assurances, Delhi teachers and sections of DU faculty and staff continue to oppose the move, calling it a step toward weakening DU’s autonomy. They have pledged solidarity with UCMS teachers, students, and staff to resist the transition.