DU recommends paid maternity leave for ad-hoc teachers, awaits final call

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Representational Image
Representational Image

New Delhi : In the recent development reported from Delhi, the esteemed Delhi University (DU) has recommended paid maternity leave for ad-hoc teachers. The decision has been taken by a committee set by the university itself to look into the operational aspects of the 2018 University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. As of now, the final decision in this regard will be taken by the university’s Academic Council (AC).

The 20- committee suggest that ad-hoc teachers should get maternity leave for the remaining term, post delivery. The committee comprises of four principals and seven AC members besides representatives from various departments.

“Ad-hoc teachers are appointed for four months. As of now, their situation is so bad, that some of them join work two days after delivery so that they don’t lose their jobs. We have recommended that at any point during the term, if the teacher delivers, for the period after that, she should be given maternity leave with salary,” said Pankaj Garg, a committee member.

Hansraj Suman, another committee member, said the decision was necessary on “humanitarian grounds”. “In MNCs and other workplaces too, contractual employees get maternity leave. So why shouldn’t DU have this? Considering this, the decision was taken. During the leave, only guest lecturers can be appointed, and the teacher will rejoin once her leave period is over,” he said.

“This was a necessary step on humanitarian grounds because we have seen umpteen cases in which women teachers have been removed from their jobs post delivery. Many of them are not able to find jobs even 10-15 years after that,” said Suman.

“There are a huge number of women ad-hoc teachers in the university, and this move will definitely benefit them. Many of them delay their married life or postpone having children because of these restrictions,” another member said.

Committee Chairperson D K Singh said, “Nothing is final till the minutes are formulated, which will take another 15-20 days.”