Nishant Saxena
Teachers from colleges affiliated with Lucknow University are expressing their dissatisfaction with the vice-chancellor’s decision to reduce the summer holidays from 10 weeks to just 15 days. The protest, organized by the Lucknow University Associated College Teachers Association (LUACTA), involved a sit-in demonstration and the presentation of a list of demands to the university administration. The teachers claim that the reduction of the summer break is the culmination of years of exploitation and inefficiencies on the part of the university’s management.
LUACTA alleges that the shortened vacation is a consequence of administrative delays in commencing the academic year. The union argues that using the summer holidays to catch up on missed classes is unfair to the teachers who have already been burdened by the university’s alleged managerial shortcomings. Additionally, concerns have been raised about students attending classes during the ongoing heatwave.
In response to the announcement of upcoming examinations, which further reduced the summer holiday period, LUACTA has initiated a non-cooperation movement. The union leaders criticized the university’s decision to hold exams from June 20, citing a violation of rules requiring a minimum of 90 working days between two sets of exams. They argue that the truncated timeframe does not allow sufficient time for course completion, exam preparation, and submission of examination forms.
LUACTA has vowed to continue fighting for their rights and has threatened to march to Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor, if their demands are not addressed. The union leaders emphasize the importance of teachers in society and their responsibility to guide students, but they insist that their efforts are hindered by the university’s actions.
The current protest by LUACTA is the second phase of their agitation, following a three-day round-the-clock strike in May. Despite assurances from government officials, LUACTA claims that no concrete action has been taken to address their concerns. Among the union’s grievances are the monopolized Lucknow University Athletic Association, which they believe needs a more democratic structure, and the lack of staff representation from affiliated colleges.
The protest is not limited to teachers alone; students have also joined the movement, criticizing the university’s fee structure and examination policies. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) representative, Vishal Singh, while speaking to media, alleged that students involved in the protest have faced intimidation and suspension threats from university officials.
Lucknow University’s registrar, Sanjay Medhavi, defended the decisions made by the university, stating that they aimed to prioritize students’ welfare and ensure the timely commencement of the academic session. He argued that the summer holidays should be distributed throughout the year and that the required number of teaching days between exams would be maintained.
LUACTA members have pledged to reconvene and plan further actions if their demands are not addressed, including the possibility of seeking the arrest of certain bureaucrats involved. They hope that Lucknow University’s Vice-Chancellor, Alok Kumar Rai, will demonstrate sensitivity in resolving the ongoing issues.
In conclusion, teachers and students of Lucknow University are united in their opposition to the vice-chancellor’s decisions, citing concerns about academic schedules, examination policies, and overall mismanagement. The ongoing protests and non-cooperation movement highlight the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure a conducive learning environment for students and fair treatment of teachers.
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