Delhi University to adopt same seniority policy for teachers

Delhi University (DU) is planning to launch a uniform policy to identify the seniority of college teachers in order to promote transparency and put an end to confusion related to faculty appointments and promotion.

The proposal is to be finally approved in the Executive Council (EC) meeting on May 23, led by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. The absence of a well-defined framework, especially for Assistant Professors (Level 10), has caused uncertainty in promotions and nominations to academic and statutory committees in DU colleges.

To solve this problem, there was the establishment of a high-level committee in July 2024. Headed by the Dean of Colleges, the committee consisted of college principals, members of Executive and Academic Councils, and SC, ST, and OBC representatives. Following five meetings and a thorough examination of Ordinance XI, the committee had put forward their recommendations.

The new policy has it that departments with earlier appointments will be considered senior. In departments without a common seniority list, age will serve the purpose of determining seniority to treat equally first-ranked candidates from various categories.

This method will be followed until all ranks are filled.

Moreover, the policy also lays down parallel seniority lists within categories to make it clear without changing overall rankings. The policy is to ensure constitutional reservation provisions are maintained and fair representation is ensured in university governance.

Upon being approved, the policy will help end long-pending rows over seniority and reaffirm DU's pledge to equity, efficiency, and good governance in its academic institutions.

The seniority issue has created huge unrest among faculty members.

Earlier this month, DU professor Megh Raj Yadav addressed a letter to the vice chancellor pointing out the persistent issue: "A committee was formed to decide about seniority in college departments.

In the last one and a half years, over 5,500 Assistant Professors were appointed in different subjects in several colleges. But the lack of specific and consistent seniority rules has resulted in inconsistency and caused inner conflicts among faculty members.