Delhi University Wants to Set-up Research Centres outside Delhi, Faces Opposition
- Varsity recommended an amendment to the DU Act that empowers the varsity to set up research centres outside Delhi.
- The move taken by the varsity directly encourages privatisation.
- Members of EC signed a dissent.
The University of Delhi has proposed to set up research centres beyond the limits of National Capital Region or NCR. For this purpose, the varsity recommended an amendment to the Delhi University Act that empowers the varsity to set up research centres outside Delhi. The amendment proposed by the varsity got approval from the Executive Council (EC) of the varsity on July 3, 2017. On the other hand, few members of the Executive Council raised questions on varsity’s motive behind the proposal. The members were of the opinion that the move taken by the varsity will clear the restrictions for the affiliation private colleges and research facilities.
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The matter relating to territorial jurisdiction of Delhi University is present in Clause 5 (1) of Delhi University Act, 1922. The varsity had proposed an amendment to this clause. According to the actual clause, the varsity does not have the authority to maintain colleges or give affiliations to the institute beyond its jurisdiction. However, the amendment passed by the Executive Council added to the clause that the varsity could establish research centres beyond its territorial jurisdiction.
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The elected members have objected the amendment stating that lack of proper governance is on the rise. The members further claimed that the varsity was trying to push for the autonomous college scheme as per the instructions of HRD Ministry. The move taken by the varsity directly encourages privatisation. Three members of EC signed a dissent note opposing the move.
However, an official of the varsity pointed that the amendment was passed as per the process of law. Few other officials also supported the move of varsity. With this move, students need not come all the way to Delhi, and they can get the good education from wherever they are based.