DUTA Calls November 3 Strike Over Delhi University Teacher

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has called a one-day strike on November 3, 2026, to protest the termination of an assistant professor at the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), formerly known as the School of Open Learning (SOL). The association announced that classes would remain suspended across the institution on Tuesday.

The decision was taken unanimously at an emergency meeting of the DUTA executive committee on November 2. The association described the teacher’s termination as unjust and said the strike would involve a complete shutdown.

In a statement dated November 2 and signed by DUTA president Professor V S Negi, the association said:

“Emergent DUTA executive meeting held on November 2, 2026 decided unanimously to hold a one day strike (total shut down) on November 3rd 2026 against the unjust termination of CDOE (SOL) teacher. Classes will remain suspended on November 3, 2026.”

CDOE terminates assistant professor over performance concerns

The strike announcement came two days after the Centre for Distance and Online Education issued an order terminating the services of Dr. Saripali V Ravikiran, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science.

An office order dated October 30, signed by CDOE director Professor Ajay Jaiswal, said the centre’s governing body had recommended his discharge after finding his performance continuously unsatisfactory during his extended probation period.

“The governing body, centre for distance and online education considering the continuous unsatisfactory performance during the extended probation period recommended that Dr. Saripali V Ravikiran, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science be discharged from his services,” the order stated.

The order also clarified that the termination would not prevent Ravikiran from applying for future positions at the university, other colleges or in government services.

“Such discharge shall not act as a disqualification for him in applying for future positions in the university, other colleges or government services,” the order added.

DUTA seeks withdrawal of termination order

DUTA president V S Negi told Hindustan Times that the association considered the termination of a teacher’s services unacceptable. He said the strike was an immediate response to the decision, while discussions with the university administration would begin to seek the withdrawal of the termination order.

“The strike was an immediate measure, while further talks with the administration will start from tomorrow to seek the revocation of the order,” Negi said.

DUTA treasurer Akanksha Khurana also raised concerns about the impact of the decision on the teacher’s livelihood. She said the association had written to the administration on the day the termination order was issued, requesting its withdrawal, but had not received a response.

Khurana added that following the strike, DUTA would approach the university’s vice-chancellor and seek his intervention in the matter.

CDOE director’s response awaited

The CDOE director’s response to the association’s objections was awaited at the time of reporting. The available information does not indicate whether the administration has agreed to reconsider the termination order.

With the strike scheduled for November 3, classes at the Centre for Distance and Online Education are set to remain suspended for the day as DUTA presses its demand for the teacher’s reinstatement.