We will not allow government to run the Mumbai University, say teachers

To fight political interference by the government, the teaching fraternity of the Mumbai University will form an independent body that can work towards preserving and promoting its academic freedom.

Several university teachers met on Monday to list out various instances — from credit-based system to appointment of the vice-chancellor — where there has been political interference.

“The government cannot be allowed to run the university as one of its department,” a faculty member said.

All the faculty members agreed that the teachers association/union needs to take up these issues as bureaucrats and politicians ‘are not equipped to deal with academic matters’.

“We will create a body or a platform that will have university academicians, teachers, and citizens who can work towards preserving the university’s academic independence,” Neeraj Hatekar, member of the University of Mumbai Academic Staff Association (Umasa), said. A document will be circulated in the campus to mobilise public opinion.

A senior faculty member, who was present at the meeting, said that the University Grants Commission asked universities to introduce the credit system. “We never worked towards it,” he said.

“As soon as the government sent a directive this year asking us to introduce it, we hastily put together a proposal and okayed it. We have to ensure that reforms do not backfire.”

Several teachers said the credit system was part of the ‘pedagogic process’. “Many departments are ill-equipped to start it,” Hatekar said. Students without a strong socio-economic background will be at a disadvantage in this system.

Faculty members questioned the credibility of the vice -chancellor search committee. The former principal secretary of higher education, who drafted the rules, was in the selection panel.

“How can he be an authority on selecting the V-C?” a professor asked.

A teacher appointed by the university was sacked on government instructions. “A selection committee appointed him in the English department,” a teacher said. “He was not given a chance to present his case. He has now moved court. Such cases will deter good people from joining the university.”