Nagpur University Teachers to Protest NEP Workload Issues Starting October 25
Teachers at Nagpur University threaten agitation over concerns regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy and its impact on faculty workload.
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Teachers Organisation demands clarity on NEP workload.
Teachers claim 70% of subjects lack adequate faculty, affecting course completion.
A deadline of October 24 has been set for the government to respond to demands.
Teachers from the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Teachers Organisation (DBATO) at Nagpur University have announced plans for a protest beginning October 25. The agitation stems from grievances regarding the rushed implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which they argue was executed without proper planning for faculty workload and recruitment.
On Monday, a DBATO delegation met with Nagpur University's Vice-Chancellor, Manali Kshirsagar, to present a memorandum outlining 25 specific demands. The organization is urging the state government to either retract the NEP 2020 or fully approve the proposed teaching workload while ensuring sufficient faculty recruitment. They have set a deadline of October 24 for the government to provide a satisfactory response or a formal statement, warning that members may refuse to teach subjects lacking approved workloads.
DBATO has raised concerns that the NEP was put into effect for the 2023-24 academic year without clear guidelines on workload calculations, subject assignments, and faculty needs. The anticipated changes for the 2026-27 academic year have further complicated the situation, creating uncertainty for both students and educators. The organization claims that approximately 70% of subjects are without qualified teachers, leading to incomplete practical sessions in various courses.
The situation has been exacerbated by declining student enrollment and the refusal to approve recruitment for previously sanctioned teaching positions. DBATO representatives expressed frustration over repeated verbal assurances from university and government officials that have not addressed their issues. During a nearly two-hour discussion, Kshirsagar assured the delegation that their concerns would be communicated to the state government.
Key demands from the DBATO include full approval of workloads for all NEP components, regular recruitment of faculty, immediate permission for contractual hiring, protection of existing sanctioned posts, and clarity on workload norms for four-year degree programs. The organization emphasizes the necessity of adequate staffing for practical and activity-based courses to ensure quality education.
