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The discussion on the strategic plan of Delhi University was deferred to an “emergent meeting” of the Academic Council after the teachers alleged that the document had plagiarised contents from other institutions.
DU’s official statement said the agenda of the strategic plan was discussed in detail during the Wednesday’s Academic Council meeting. “During this, the members presented their views and suggestions, describing the strategic plan as important for the future. After listening to the suggestions, the Vice Chancellor asked the strategic plan committee to seriously consider them again,” it said.
The strategic plan document sets the goals for the university for the next 25 years.
However, it was alleged that certain parts had been lifted from documents of other universities, such as Ohio State University and University of Sheffield.
The Democratic Teachers’ Front issued a statement, demanding the withdrawal of the “plagiarised” document.
“It is extremely unfortunate that a plagiarised document has become the foundation of DU’s Strategic Plan 2022-47. Plagiarism in any form is totally unacceptable and the fact that it is getting promoted by the top authorities of DU by tabling it for discussion is absolutely shocking,” said Mithuraaj Dhusiya, an elected AC member.
Abha Dev Habib, Secretary of the Democratic Teachers Front alleged that the University seems to be in “a tearing hurry” that it has forced the Academic Council (AC) to discuss the plagiarised Revised Strategic Plan (2022-2047).
“The VC acknowledged that the document has plagiarism issues but has forced a discussion on the same. While the AC can debate the issue, how can it adopt a plan for the next 25 years when the document is not before the house in its final form? The policy thrust of National Education Policy (NEP) is towards privatisation and commercialisation of public-funded universities. It is being pushed at the university level by subverting statutory bodies,” Habib pointed out.
The plan talks about improving the research ecosystem by collaborating with universities abroad, graded incentives for publications and building research laboratories within departments, which have also been encouraged to develop specialised centres for research and training.
The Indian Express first reported in June that the varsity’s strategic vision—as part of Envisage DU 2047 — is to strengthen its position as a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits with excellence, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit at its core according to the Strategic Plan document.
It also looks to reinforce existing buildings with tech-enabled classrooms that allow remote connectivity, libraries with robust access to journals, e-books, data platforms, and workstations, among others.
Regarding tuition and student debt, the document states, “The University of Delhi as a public institution committed to providing broad access to quality education has demonstrated its commitment to affordability by keeping fees affordable. Therefore, to maintain access to the university for all, one must keep the fundraising priorities to ensure financial aid, especially for students with greater need.”
However, this drew criticism from teachers who said that this might lead to a departure from public funding and scholarships.
Another elected AC member Vikas Gupta said that after a lot of opposition, the Vice-Chancellor finally agreed to update the document of the strategic plan, send it back to the council members and seek approval or rejection in the next meeting.
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