DU ad-hoc teacher found dead days after being removed from job; former colleagues, students protest

Delhi University students and professors came together on Thursday to mourn the death of 33-year-old ad-hoc teacher Samarveer, who was found dead in his home in outer Delhi’s Rani Bagh. The news of Samarveer’s death has left his former colleagues and students in shock.

Although there was no suicide note found, according to the cousin with whom he was living, Samarveer was dealing with depression. The cousin informed the police that Samarveer had recently lost his job at Hindu College, where he was working as an ad-hoc lecturer.

The protests outside the Hindu College demanded job security and justice for Samarveer.

Delhi University professor Shubhanshi Mishra said, “He recently lost his job at Hindu College. It appears he died by suicide because he was upset.”

Meanwhile, Miranda House Associate Professor Abha Dev Habib said, “The University has forced guest-ism by denying ad-hoc appointments against shortterm vacancies. Also, workload norms have been tweaked by 11.11.2022 DU Notification and which has overnight declared teachers as ‘surplus’.”

Despite the protests, the police said no foul play was suspected in the death of Samarveer. Aam Aadmi Party’s teachers’ wing Academic for Action and Development Delhi Teachers’ Association (AADTA) had also called a protest on the North Campus.

Samarveer’s friend, also a Hindu College professor, said, “He told me that after 20-plus days, the college informed him it cannot continue with his service as it’s not allowed by the University. I could sense his helplessness. He told me his mother was very disturbed after he didn’t get the permanent job he was expecting. He told me she lost vision in an eye. I am unable to accept that he is no more.”

This tragic incident has brought to light the need for better job security for ad-hoc teachers in Delhi University. As we mourn Samarveer’s passing, we must work towards ensuring that no other teacher has to go through the same ordeal. (With inputs from PTI)