Education

DUTA Declares One‑Day Strike Over Termination of CDOE Teacher

By Gargi Shukla

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) announced a one‑day strike on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to protest the dismissal of a teacher from the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), formerly the School of Open Learning (SOL). A DUTA executive meeting held on November 2, 2026, voted unanimously to shut down all classes on November 3. The decision was signed by DUTA President Prof. V. S. Negi.

The strike follows the CDOE’s termination of Dr. Saripali V. Ravikiran, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, on October 30, 2026. The director of CDOE, Prof. Ajay Jaiswal, issued an office order stating that the governing body had recommended Dr. Ravikiran’s discharge after an extended probation period marked by unsatisfactory performance. The order added that the discharge would not disqualify him from applying for future positions in the university, other colleges, or government services.

DUTA President Negi told Hindustan Times that the dismissal was unacceptable and that the strike was an immediate measure while further talks with the administration would begin the next day to seek revocation of the order. DUTA treasurer Akanksha Khurana said the association had written to the administration on the day of the termination order, requesting its withdrawal, but had not received a response. After the strike, DUTA plans to approach the university’s vice‑chancellor for intervention.

The article was written by Gargi Shukla, a correspondent with Hindustan Times who reports on education issues in Delhi.