DUTA oppose Delhi Govt directive on NAAC

New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Accusing the Delhi Government of diluting the autonomy of colleges funded by it, Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) has demanded immediate withdrawal of a directive asking the 12 colleges to get accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

In a meeting with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, a DUTA delegation led by its President Amardeo Sharma, discussed the directive issued by a Deputy Director of the Delhi Government.

The May 30 letter, addressed to the Principals of all 100 per cent Delhi Government funded colleges, threatened not to release the second installment of money if the accreditation is not obtained.

NAAC is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess and accredit institutions of higher education in the country.

It is an outcome of the recommendations of the National Policy in Education (1986) that laid special emphasis on upholding the quality of higher education in India.

Mr Sharma said the delegation opposed the ''irresponsible'' directive and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

''We conveyed our opposition regarding the move, which is a violation of the Delhi University's autonomy. And also expressed concern at the serious implications of implementing NAAC on Government funded educational institutions,'' he added.

The DUTA President said the Chief Minister gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured them that the autonomy of the University will be preserved.

''She also assured us that a meeting of will be convened with the Higher Education Secretary to discuss the issue,'' he added.

UNI