The Hindu College Staff Association has formally asked Delhi University (DU) to take control of the college and initiate an independent, time-bound inquiry into several alleged administrative irregularities. These concerns include issues related to admissions, finances, procurement, appointments, and governance.
- Alleged violations of university admission rules and supernumerary admissions.
- Concerns over financial and procurement irregularities and non-disclosure of audit documents.
- Issues with governance, including bypassing the Staff Council and misuse of college resources.
- Requests for transparency in disclosure of reports, tenders, contracts, and fee structures.
- Demands for removal of the Governing Body Chairman and Principal to ensure impartial inquiry.
What irregularities has the Hindu College Staff Association alleged?
The association has raised multiple concerns in a memorandum submitted to the DU Vice Chancellor. They allege violations in admissions, including breaches of the prescribed 20 percent cap on supernumerary admissions and ignoring objections from teachers-in-charge and committee convenors. They also claim that a meeting presented as a Staff Council meeting was not properly convened or attended by the elected Staff Council secretary.
Financial irregularities include non-disclosure of audit documents, misuse of college premises for private commercial activities, and violations in hostel mess tenders. The association also points out the prolonged outsourcing of security and sanitation services without open tendering, which they say breaches financial and vigilance norms.
How has governance at Hindu College been questioned?
The staff body alleges that the Staff Council has been bypassed and that parallel committees have been created, undermining the council's statutory authority. They demand the restoration of the council's powers and regular meetings. Concerns are also raised about the membership of the governing body and the use of college endowment funds towards the Hindu Education Trust's contributions.
What concerns exist about appointments and staff welfare?
The memorandum highlights delays or denial of study leave, child care leave, sabbatical leave, and promotions. It also raises issues about the continuation of the vice-principal and other fixed-tenure office holders beyond their prescribed terms, and the non-advertisement of vacant administrative posts. The association calls for transparent appointments of wardens and other office holders.
What transparency measures does the staff association demand?
The association seeks public disclosure of governing body minutes, audited accounts, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports, tenders, contracts, fee structures, and scholarship guidelines, while respecting confidentiality requirements. They also express concern over unexplained annual fee hikes, grievance redressal mechanisms, and the opaque awarding of scholarships and fellowships.
What actions does the Hindu College Staff Association want Delhi University to take?
Among their demands, the staff association requests the removal of the Hindu College Governing Body Chairman and Principal to ensure an impartial inquiry. They urge strict compliance with DU statutes, ordinances, General Financial Rules, and university directives. Furthermore, they want the university to take over Hindu College temporarily and form an extended Governing Body to prevent any further attempts at privatization.
The memorandum was signed by Ratan Lal, president, and Shankar Kumar, secretary, of the Hindu College Staff Association.
