Hindu College staff body flags alleged irregularities, seeks DU takeover and probe

The Hindu College Staff Association has urged Delhi University to take over the college and order an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged irregularities in admissions, finances, procurement, appointments, governance and student welfare.

In Short

• Hindu College Staff Association urges DU takeover and independent inquiry
• Alleges irregularities in admissions, finances, procurement and appointments
• Demands removal of Chairman, Principal and strict adherence to DU rules

The Hindu College Staff Association has urged Delhi University to take over the college and order an independent, time-bound inquiry into alleged irregularities in admissions, finances, procurement, appointments and governance.

In a memorandum submitted to the DU Vice Chancellor, the staff body raised several concerns, including alleged violations of university admission rules, bypassing of the Staff Council, financial and procurement irregularities, non-disclosure of audit documents and alleged violations related to appointments and tenures.

STAFF BODY ALLEGED ADMISSION IRREGULARITIES

The association alleged irregularities in supernumerary admissions despite objections from concerned teachers-in-charge and committee convenors.

It claimed that the prescribed 20 per cent cap and applicable DU ordinances were breached. The association also alleged that a meeting of staff to ratify the admissions was presented as a Staff Council meeting even though it was not convened or attended by the elected Staff Council secretary.

CONCERNS OVER STAFF COUNCIL, LEAVE AND PROMOTION

The memorandum raised concerns over delays or denial of study leave, child care leave, sabbatical leave and promotions, besides issues related to inquiry reports and exoneration orders.

On governance, the association alleged that the Staff Council had been bypassed and that parallel committees had been constituted. It sought restoration of the council's statutory authority and regular meetings.

FINANCIAL, PROCUREMENT IRREGULARITIES ALLEGED

The staff body alleged misuse of college premises and resources for private commercial activities and raised concerns over governing body membership and the use of college endowment funds towards the Hindu Education Trust's contribution.

It also flagged alleged violations of financial and vigilance norms in hostel mess tenders and the prolonged outsourcing of security and sanitation services without open tendering.

The association sought public disclosure of governing body minutes, audited accounts, CAG reports, tenders, contracts, fee structures and scholarship guidelines, subject to applicable confidentiality requirements.

QUESTIONS RAISED OVER STUDENT WELFARE

The memorandum also raised concerns over student welfare, including unexplained annual fee hikes, grievance redressal mechanisms and the allegedly opaque award of scholarships and fellowships.

On appointments, the association raised concerns regarding the continuation of the vice-principal and other fixed-tenure office holders beyond their prescribed terms, as well as the non-advertisement of vacant administrative posts.

INQUIRY SOUGHT INTO FIRE INCIDENTS, STRUCTURAL DEFECTS

The staff body sought an inquiry into repeated fire incidents and structural defects and seepage in new buildings. It also called for transparent appointments of wardens and other office holders.

Among its demands, the association sought the removal of the Hindu College Governing Body Chairman and Principal to ensure an impartial inquiry.

It also called for strict compliance with DU statutes, ordinances, General Financial Rules and university directives, and sought fixing of responsibility wherever violations are established.

STAFF BODY SEEKS DU TAKEOVER OF HINDU COLLEGE

The association called for Delhi University to take over Hindu College and form an extended Governing Body temporarily, arguing that this would free the college from the control of its Trust and Governing Body.

"That the University of Delhi take over Hindu College and form an extended GB for the time being to free it from the control of its Trust and Governing Body, so as to thwart any further attempt at privatisation," they added in the memorandum.

The memorandum was signed by Ratan Lal, president, and Shankar Kumar, secretary, of the Hindu College Staff Association.

(With PTI inputs)

- Ends