The Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) at Delhi University has strongly criticized the administration’s recent decision to reclaim advance increments from faculty members who obtained their PhD or MPhil degrees after January 1, 2016. The DTF described this action as ‘ridiculous and unacceptable.’ This move has sparked significant concern among educators regarding its implications for academic recognition and financial stability.
They claimed that the latest communication would result in the recovery of advance increments from teachers who acquired MPhil or PhD degrees after January 1, 2016, and are due to retire within a year. In a letter addressed to Delhi University Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, DTF office-bearers and members of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), Executive Council, and Academic Council urged the university to withdraw its August 17, 2026, letter directing such recoveries. The teachers said the university’s latest communication referred to a University Grants Commission (UGC) letter dated August 13, 2025, and a DU letter dated August 20, 2025.
They alleged that this allowed colleges that had withdrawn advance increments for obtaining PhD or MPhil degrees to continue with the practice. The DTF urged the university administration to immediately withdraw the August 17 letter and ensure that all colleges continue to honour MPhil- and PhD-related increments until the matter is settled by the UGC.
The teachers said the issue had been repeatedly raised in Academic Council and Executive Council meetings, but the university had not responded to their demands.
