Hindu College protest puts governance, financial transparency and Delhi University's oversight under scrutiny

The Hindu College Staff Association (HCSA) has intensified its protest against the college administration, demanding the removal of the principal and the chairperson of the governing body, along with an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities and immediate intervention by Delhi University.

In a press note issued on Wednesday, the association said its members had been staging a sit-in for more than two weeks. It has also passed a no-confidence resolution against the college principal.

The HCSA has raised concerns about alleged violations of university admission rules, delays in faculty leave and promotion matters, and the sidelining of the statutory Staff Council. It has also questioned the college's financial transactions, procurement practices and use of institutional resources.

HCSA flags alleged irregularities in college administration

The association has called for an independent investigation into the college's administrative and financial functioning. Its allegations cover admissions, faculty matters, procurement, construction, appointments and governance.

The HCSA alleged that admission procedures had deviated from Delhi University's rules. It also cited delays in processing teachers' leave and promotions, claiming that the statutory Staff Council had been bypassed in administrative matters.

Concerns have also been raised about alleged irregularities in financial transactions and procurement. The association questioned the commercial use of college resources and said details of governing body meetings and audited accounts were not being disclosed.

The HCSA has also sought greater transparency in the management of fees and scholarships. It raised concerns about appointments and teachers' tenure, as well as repeated fire incidents and structural issues at the college.

The association has demanded that observations made by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) be implemented. It has also called for the disclosure of governing body meeting minutes, audited accounts, tender records and contract documents.

Alongside greater financial transparency, the HCSA wants the statutory authority of the Staff Council restored. It alleged that the council was being sidelined in decisions affecting the college and its employees.

Association demands withdrawal of show-cause notices

The HCSA has sought the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to its president, secretary and a senior faculty member. It alleged that the notices were issued after they raised concerns about the principal's alleged wrongdoing.

The association further claimed that certain faculty members had been selectively targeted, particularly teachers from Dalit and other vulnerable sections. The available information does not include the college administration's response to these allegations.

The demand to withdraw the notices forms part of the association's broader call for accountability and an independent inquiry into the college's functioning.

HCSA seeks removal of governing body chairperson

In addition to demanding the principal's removal, the association has called for the chairperson of the college's governing body to step down. It wants an independent inquiry to examine alleged irregularities across admissions, financial management, procurement, construction, appointments and governance.

The HCSA has also demanded that Delhi University temporarily take over Hindu College's management. It has proposed the formation of an expanded governing body to oversee the institution and protect it against any potential move toward privatization.

The association has linked these demands to its concerns about administrative accountability and the management of college resources. However, the allegations remain claims made by the HCSA, and an official response from the college administration was not available in the information provided.

Dispute over college buildings and corporate donors

The association has alleged that college buildings are being taken over or renamed after corporate donors, naming Chimes Group, Relaxo and Ultra International in connection with its concerns.

The HCSA claims that these arrangements violate university rules. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the available information does not include responses from the named companies or the college administration.

Association says Delhi University has not responded effectively

The HCSA said it had submitted memorandums to Delhi University's vice-chancellor and the college's governing body, seeking intervention over the alleged irregularities. However, it claimed that it had not received an effective response.

The association has therefore reiterated its demand for Delhi University to intervene immediately, investigate the allegations and take appropriate action. Its proposed measures include changes to the college's leadership, greater transparency in administrative and financial matters, and the restoration of the Staff Council's authority.

MPs express support for protesting staff and students

Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Lok Sabha MP Sudhakar Singh have addressed students and teachers participating in the protest, according to the HCSA. The association said both lawmakers expressed solidarity with the demonstrators.

The sit-in at Hindu College continues, with the staff association maintaining its demands for the removal of the principal and governing body chairperson, an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities and immediate intervention by Delhi University.

The college administration and Delhi University have yet to provide an official response to the allegations in the information available.