24-05-2025
Panel To Study Feasibility Of Periodic Reviews Of DU Staff
New Delhi: Delhi University has set up a nine-member committee to examine the feasibility of implementing periodic performance reviews of its employees. This is in line with a central govt notification that allows premature retirement of staff deemed underperforming or lacking integrity.
The panel, headed by executive council (EC) member Indra Mohan Kapahi, will assess whether such a policy can be adopted within the university framework.
The proposal, tabled during the EC meeting on Friday, referred to an office memorandum issued by the department of personnel and training in June 2024. The memorandum lays down guidelines for quarterly reviews of central govt employees—including those working in autonomous bodies and statutory institutions—with a report to be submitted each month on staff identified as ineffective or of "doubtful integrity.
" The rules permit premature retirement in public interest for employees aged 50 or 55, or those who have completed 30 years of service.
While university officials say the move is aimed at strengthening administration, sections of the teaching community have raised red flags, alleging that such provisions may be misused to target dissenters.
"The university administration has overstepped its authority by attempting to adopt the DoPT circular without clearance from the ministry of education or UGC.
This raises serious concerns about procedural violations and the motive behind such haste," said Rudrashish Chakraborty, executive member of Delhi University Teachers' Association and associate professor at Kirori Mal College.
Mithuraj Dhusiya, a former EC member, submitted a dissent note arguing that the memorandum applies only to central govt employees under the Central Civil Services Rules, which do not govern DU staff.
"The notification has not even been officially forwarded to universities, making the administration's urgency highly questionable," he wrote.
Maya John, member of the DU academic council, echoed similar concerns during a protest organised by DUTA outside the EC meeting venue. She alleged that the criteria listed in the memorandum—such as "doubtful integrity" and "ineffectiveness"—are vague and susceptible to misuse.
"This conflation of teaching staff with central govt employees violates DU's institutional autonomy and risks creating a culture of fear and compliance," she said.
EC member Aman Kumar also objected, noting that DU already has robust mechanisms for staff evaluation, including annual performance appraisal reports, the UGC's career advancement scheme, and annual departmental reviews. "The imposition of additional layers through central administrative procedures is unwarranted and threatens academic freedom," he said.
The committee's recommendations are expected to be tabled in a future EC meeting.
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