Amid teachers’ association elections, 2 EFLU professors get transfer orders

Hyderabad: Amid protests from students against the administration’s mishandling of the assault on a student on campus, the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Tarnaka, Hyderabad, issued transfer orders to two of its professors: the newly elected president of the EFLU Teachers’ Association (EFLUTA), Dr Srinivas Lankala and vice-president elect Dr Utpal Lahiri.

Expressing his surprise over the admin’s decision taken on Friday, Dr Srinivas said, “It is very sudden and shocking.” Speculating on the motives behind the transfers, he said that they may have been orchestrated to impede the recently conducted teachers’ association elections and disrupt the effective functioning of the body. He also said that the transfers might be a deliberate attempt to obstruct the electoral process.

Prof Srinivas said that the association’s general body held a meeting seeking clarification from the administration. He expressed uncertainty about the university’s transfer policy, stating, “I am trying to get some clarity on what is the transfer policy of the university, is there a transfer policy and when did they decide about my transfer.”

Reasons remain a secret

Regarding the reasons behind the transfers, a professor from the association, under the condition of anonymity, said, “The official transfer notice was done according to the decision taken during the executive committee meeting.” Despite the official explanation, the exact rationale is yet to be known. According to the order notice, the transfer was made ‘in pursuance of the resolution of the 42nd meeting of the executive council.’

Allegations have been made against vice-chancellor Professor E Suresh Kumar that individuals opposing him face harassment and threats. The professor asserted that the faculty had united to address injustices within the university, including the sexual assault on a student in October.

Faculty not consulted prior to transfer order

Questions were raised about the existence of a transfer policy, with an association member noting, “Government employees are always consulted before or informed. However, we were neither informed nor consulted.”

Amidst the turmoil, there were speculations about the formation of a ‘fake’ teachers’ association by the vice-chancellor. The professor questioned the need for a new association when one already exists.

As the EFLU community grapples with these developments, the teachers remain united, seeking transparency from the administration and clarity on the motives behind the sudden transfers. The situation raises concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy within the university.