Evening studies dept faculty of PU revolts over students’ attendance record
Teachers have asked the varsity authorities to cite reason for seeking the photocopy of attendance registers for the current semester
The faculty of the evening studies department has revolted after it was asked to provide photocopies of the attendance registers of students by the university authorities. The Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA) has also come out in support of the teachers.
In a one-line order, Dean University Instructions (DUI) professor Dinesh Gupta had asked for photocopies of the attendance registers for the current semester.
After going through the footage of April 11 violence on the campus, it was pointed out by the university authorities that a number of supporters of the Students for Society (SFS) were from the evening department of the varsity. SFS was the main mobiliser of the protest and most of the arrested students were from the party.
However, the teachers of the department met and questioned as to why the department was singled out. “When every month attendance record of students is submitted then why are they asking for photocopies of attendance registers,” said professor Mohammed Khalid, who represents the evening department at PUTA executive.
A mail saying that every teacher has to submit the photocopies as desired by vice-chancellor professor Arun Kumar Grover was sent to chairperson professor Gurpal Singh on April 25.
The faculty then sent their resolution to PUTA for discussion in the executive committee meeting on Wednesday. “I told PUTA that if the issue has not been resolved the evening department teachers will resign from PUTA membership,” said professor Khalid.
“We have resolved that any information as desired by the authorities be asked with reason. The issue can be resolved through dialogue and if any specific information is required, it should be sought through the chairperson,” said PUTA president professor Promila Pathak.
Meanwhile, Students Organisation of India (SOI) has alleged that on Wednesday, evening studies department students were not being allowed to enter campus before 2pm. The SFS has also claimed that the attendance record of their supporters was being looked into to harass them.