Delhi University executive council approves key recommendations

The University of Delhi’s Executive Council (EC) convened its 1,272nd meeting on Monday, led by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, to discuss critical recommendations from the Academic Council. The meeting addressed proposed amendments to academic ordinances, the approval of new courses and faculty appointments.

Among the highlights of the agenda were significant curriculum changes for East Asian Studies, the introduction of new medical courses and revisions to prerequisite requirements for economics classes. Singh noted that the Finance Committee had unanimously decided to implement the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme from October 2024 after thorough deliberations on legal complexities.

“The decisions made today reflect our commitment to enhancing educational standards and supporting our faculty,” Singh added. The EC approved an increase in the contractual fee for part-time general duty medical officers (GDMO), raising their monthly payment from Rs 45,000 to Rs 55,000, effective from October, along with an annual increase of 5 per cent starting April 1 each year. However, the other terms of their appointments will remain unchanged.

In addition, the EC approved a notional pay hike for retiring employees in line with Finance Committee recommendations.

The decisions made during the meeting will be forwarded to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for approval.

Speaking to The Tribune, EC member Aman Kumar shared that dissent was expressed by himself and fellow member Seema Das regarding the nomination of more government representatives in the higher education executive council.

“We hoped for a deferral on the matter, but since it was time-sensitive, the Vice-Chancellor has formed a committee to address our dissent with the government,” Kumar explained.

The council also approved recommendations from the Faculty of Social Sciences to introduce East Asian language courses at Ramjas College, Hansraj College and Ram Lal Anand College. This initiative includes advanced diploma courses in Korean language at Ramjas College, certificate courses in Chinese and diploma programmes in Korean and Japanese at Hansraj College. Additionally, Ram Lal Anand College will offer advanced diploma courses in Chinese and Japanese.