Hindu College Protest: The Hindu College Staff Association (HCSA) has demanded the removal of the college principal and the chairman of the governing body as well as an independent inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the institution. The association has been protesting against the college administration for more than two weeks and has demanded immediate intervention from Delhi University. In this context, in a press note issued on Wednesday, HCSA said that it has passed a no-confidence motion against the principal. According to news agency PTI report, she has accused the college administration of violating university rules, delaying faculty promotions and leave matters, ignoring the staff council and failing to maintain transparency in financial and administrative decisions. HCSA is protesting against the college administration over alleged irregularities in admission, financial matters and management. The protest began on September 14, following allegations that the college violated Delhi University rules while allotting seats under the Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) quota. What are the allegations against the college administration? HCSA has accused the administration of deviating from the admission rules of Delhi University and not following correct procedures for leave and promotion of faculty. She also alleged that the administration ignored the Staff Council, which plays a role in the academic and administrative matters of the college. The association has raised questions on money transactions, buying and selling and management of fees and scholarships. It has sought access to the minutes of the governing body’s meetings, audited accounts, tenders and contracts. It has also asked the college to implement the observations of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) regarding violation of rules in the college. Another major concern is related to the alleged commercial use of the college’s resources. HCSA claims that the buildings were being expropriated and renamed in the name of corporate donors (such as Chimes Group, Relaxo and Ultra International). It has alleged that these arrangements violate university rules and has demanded an investigation. The association has also drawn attention to the frequent incidents of fire on the campus and structural concerns and demanded an investigation into the construction issues and security arrangements of the college. What does the association want? HCSA wants Delhi University to intervene. Order an independent inquiry, remove the principal and chairman of the governing body, withdraw the show-cause notice and restore the powers of the staff council. The association has demanded immediate withdrawal of the show-cause notice issued to its President, Secretary and a senior faculty member. It said the notices were issued following his attempts to raise concerns about alleged irregularities by the principal. University takes control of the college in its own hands HCSA has asked Delhi University to take control of Hindu College for some time and form a large governing body to oversee its functioning. It said the move would help safeguard the institution and prevent what it described as a possible move towards privatisation.
