DU approves EPF benefits for contractual employees and expands academic courses

In a historic move, the University of Delhi's Executive Council (EC) has approved the introduction of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme for its contractual staff. The decision was made during the 1272nd EC meeting, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, at the University's Convention Hall on Monday.

In Short

• Delhi University approves EPF scheme for contractual employees from October 2024
• EC approves courses in East Asian languages at three DU colleges
• University’s Strategic Plan 2024-2047 gets EC approval for development

In a landmark decision, the University of Delhi's Executive Council (EC) has approved the implementation of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme for its contractual employees. The decision was made during the EC's 1272nd meeting, held on Monday under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, in the University's Convention Hall.

The meeting commenced with a two-minute silence to honour Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata. Prof. Singh emphasised that the EPF implementation, in alignment with the Finance Committee's recommendations, was a thoroughly considered decision. He confirmed that the scheme would be introduced starting October 2024, following extensive discussions on associated legalities.

Delhi University's Registrar, Dr. Vikas Gupta, presented the meeting agenda, which included deliberations on recommendations from the University's Academic Council (AC), held on October 10. Among the decisions, the EC approved an increase in the contractual fees of Part-Time Medical Officers (GDMOs) from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 55,000 per month, effective October 2024. The new remuneration will include a 5% annual increment starting each April.

The EC also passed a notional pay hike for retiring employees in accordance with the Finance Committee's recommendations. In addition, an Office Memorandum concerning old pension scheme benefits for deceased National Pension Scheme employees was considered and approved.

Further, the Council approved a 10-year extension to the land lease of Maurice Nagar Police Station. In another key development, a Committee was formed to evaluate the inclusion of the Secretary of Higher Education from the Ministry of Education as an Executive Council member, with findings to be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor.

In academic advancement, the EC gave the green light to launch East Asian language courses at Ramjas College, Hansraj College, and Ram Lal Anand College, which will include programs in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese languages. Moreover, the EC endorsed the introduction of a Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) course at the University College of Medical Sciences and a super-speciality DM course in Pediatric and Neonatal Anaesthesia at Lady Hardinge Medical College.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the University's Strategic Plan for 2024-2047 and the authorisation for the Vice Chancellor to