Delhi University Professor Required to Submit Speech Text for US Travel Approval Raises Concerns

Delhi University professor Apoorvanand Jha has raised concerns over a request from the university administration. He claims they asked him to submit the text of his lecture for an academic event in the US for travel approval. The DU administration has not commented on this matter.

Jha, a faculty member in the Hindi department, was invited to speak at a seminar titled "The University Under a Global Authoritarian Turn." This event is part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the India China Institute at The New School, New York, scheduled from April 23 to May 1.

Academic Freedom Concerns

Jha expressed alarm over the situation, stating, "I received a mail from the registrar's office asking me to submit the text of my speech for approval. In my view, this is very alarming. We are losing the DU's autonomy willingly. This is unprecedented as something like this has never happened before."

He submitted his leave application over 35 days in advance through the university's online Samarth portal. However, on April 2, he received an email from DU stating that permission could not be granted without consulting the Union Ministry of Education.

Institutional Autonomy at Risk

In a letter to DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh on April 15, Jha questioned why the university involved an external agency in granting leave. He wrote, "I fail to understand what made the university forgo the principle of institutional autonomy and invite intervention of an outside agency, in this case the Union government, in a matter of granting leave."

Jha also responded to the registrar's office, noting there is no rule requiring government clearance for faculty travel or leave. He stated, "You said you were not aware of any specific rule under which the permission of the ministry is required."

Response from Academic Community

The Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) condemned DU's actions as arbitrary and an attack on academic freedom. They described the demand for speech vetting as censorship and accused the administration of harming institutional autonomy.

The teachers' body argued that denying permission for such academic engagements damages DU's global reputation and reflects a deeper erosion of institutional integrity.

Social Media Reaction

Jha took to social media to express his concerns further. On X, he posted: "Delhi Univ adm wants to vet and approve the text of my talk for the India China Institute, New School New York event and seek the advice of the government to decide about granting me leave. How should a teacher respond to a demand like this?"

The situation highlights ongoing debates about academic freedom and institutional autonomy within Indian universities. The outcome may have broader implications for faculty members seeking international engagement.