Staff at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College launched a two-day teaching strike on October 27-28 . The strike protests the alleged assault of a senior professor by a Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) leader. Teachers demand the immediate expulsion of DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha and a permanent ban on political student groups within college premises.
Strike and Key Demands
The college staff association is observing the two-day strike to protest what they call an “attack on teachers’ dignity.” During these two days, teachers are also holding a dharna daily from 10 AM to 2 PM . They have outlined several key demands for the college administration.
The staff has demanded a detailed action plan from the principal. This plan must outline specific disciplinary measures taken against students involved in the violence on October 16 . This response is sought promptly, by the end of the strike period.
Central to their demands is the expulsion of DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha. Jha is accused of physically assaulting a senior faculty member with over 32 years of teaching experience. The staff also seeks the expulsion of BA third-year student Himanshu, who is alleged to have repeatedly instigated violence despite being under suspension.
Further demands from the college staff include:
- A complete ban on DUSU activists and all political student groups from operating on campus.
- Declaring Professor Sujit Kumar’s “forced” resignation from the convener discipline committee as null and void.
- Using CCTV footage to identify and suspend all college students directly involved in the violence.
- Initiating a college-level inquiry to investigate the alleged role of Rakesh Yadav in provoking certain students during the incident.
- The principal must provide the assaulted professor with a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).
- Granting the professor permission to access the CCTV footage relevant to the incident.
The Incident
The alleged assault, which the staff association termed a “black day” in the college’s history, occurred on October 16 . The incident involved the physical assault of a senior faculty member. It has been widely condemned by the teaching community.
The staff association specifically condemned the acts of violence, abuse, and manhandling by DUSU leaders. They also highlighted instances of misbehaviour with female professors. This conduct, they stated, represents an “unprecedented breach of academic decorum and moral authority.”
The association stressed that the teaching fraternity stands united. They are committed to defending institutional integrity and the honour of teachers. They appealed to both college administration and university authorities for decisive action.
Next Steps and Broader Support
A general body meeting is scheduled for October 29 . This meeting will serve to review the current situation and determine the further course of action. The staff body intends to review the administration’s progress after the two-day strike concludes.
The staff association has received widespread support from other academic bodies. The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), along with staff associations of various colleges, expressed solidarity. They appealed for continued support.
During a meeting held on October 22 , the staff association formally requested specific actions. They asked the principal, the chairman of the governing body, and university officials to issue an official condemnation letter of the attack. This letter, they emphasized, should explicitly uphold the dignity of the teaching community.
The college staff ultimately seeks action in the “larger interest of justice.” They also demand the protection of teacher dignity and the sanctity of academia within the Delhi University system.