NE EDUCATION BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 28
The All India Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (AIFUCTO) general secretary Prof Arun Kumar has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and SAARC secretary over the suspension of four faculty members of the South Asian University, alleging that the move was “completely undemocratic” and in violation of all rules and norms.
The faculty members faced the action on June 16 this year over allegations of misconduct and violation of the university’s code of conduct following the 2022 student protests against the downward revision of monthly stipends for Masters’ students and their subsequent suspension.
- The “authoritarian stance” of the administration has tarnished the image of the university formed with the high ideals of integrating neighboring SAARC countries: Prof Arun Kumar
- The enquiry conducted by the fact finding committee was motivated and a mere camouflage of the hidden undemocratic agenda of governance to stifle all vestiges of democratic voice, says the union
“I write this letter to express my anguish at the suspension of four faculty members of the South Asian University in a completely undemocratic manner violating all rules and norms of procedure,” Prof Arun Kumar said.
In the letter, the AIFUCTO general secretary alleged that the “authoritarian stance” of the administration has tarnished the image of the university formed with the high ideals of integrating neighboring SAARC countries.
“The four faculty members were suspended on the charges of inciting students against the SAU administration during the students’ protest over slashing the monthly stipend significantly,” he said.
A faculty member had earlier said: “Office orders were issued placing the four faculty members under suspension with immediate effect on June 16, given that ‘there are allegations of misconduct’ and violation of the code of conduct of the University, ‘which need to be investigated’.”
“The campus of South Asian University is now on turmoil. The academic environment is seriously vitiated posing serious question marks on the governance structure. The students were suspended and expelled without reason and rhyme. On June 16, 2023, making the situation more complicated office orders were issued placing the four faculty members under suspension. They have been meted with humiliating treatment of not to leave station without permission, vacate their offices, return their office computer and identity cards and register their attendance on all working days in the office of their respective deans,” the general secretary said.
“The enquiry conducted by the fact finding committee was motivated and a mere camouflage of the hidden undemocratic agenda of governance to stifle all vestiges of democratic voice asking for the enforcement of rules and regulations to protect the academic interests of the university community. This undemocratic action by the authority is an indicator of functioning of private university and the proposal of inviting foreign universities to India by the Government of India,” he added.
He claimed the faculty members were only trying to mediate between the aggrieved students and the “obtuse SAU administration in the interest of pedagogy at the university”.
Displaying such “intolerance for constructive criticism is unbecoming of a university,” he said.
“I urge you to prevail upon the SAU administration to revoke this authoritarian decree and make efforts through SAARC to address the multiple concerns plaguing SAU,” the general secretary said.
