President's intervention sought as 2 DU professors tussle for HoD's post

Nikita Jain

New Delhi: As the ongoing tussle between two Delhi University professors for the post of Head of Department (HoD) for Hindi Department continues, a letter has been sent by the Forum for Academic and Social Justice to President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday requesting him to intervene in the matter.

Two veteran professors Sheoraj Singh Bechain and KN Tripathi have claimed for the seat, but fight "over seniority" has created an issue in the department. However, speaking to Millennium Post, Bechain said, "On September 12, I was asked to do some formalities, after which I told that I will be made HoD. But the next day, I kept waiting for the call but nothing happened."

Bechain added that he contacted the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) but was told that they were reviewing the decision, because another professor has come forward to claim the position.

Apparently, this would have been the first time that a Dalit professor would have filled the post. "I can't do anything but wait. Meetings are taking place to decide who will get the post," said Bechain.

Meanwhile, protests are being held at Rajiv Chowk and a letter was written to Kovind asking him to intervene and demanding Bechain be given the post as he was initially promised.

As of now, the post is being held by Hari Mohan, whose tenure had ended on September 12, but was extended till October 21.

In support of Bechain, Chairman of Forum for Academic and Social Justice Hansraj Suman said, "This is in the history of DU that an issue like this has come forward where even after choosing the HoD, the post is actually vacant. Sheoraj Singh Bechain's name was on top and still he wasn't made the HoD. This is highly wrong and we stand against this."

While, Bechain's supporters have claimed that this is a case of "caste discrimination", but professors at the Hindi Department feel otherwise.

"I don't think this tussle has anything to do with caste. Both are capable professors and the main issue is that of seniority," said a professor at the Arts Faculty, who didn't want to be named.

The correspondent tried contacting Mohan for comments but was told he was busy.