It was a reality check for Delhi University administration on Wednesday when over 1,000 students from across colleges and departments voiced their concern over absentee teachers. The students also raised the problem of inadequate infrastructure and security for women students. According to officials, the university administration received over a 1,200 feedback forms of which nearly 1,000 raised the issues of absenteeism among teachers and inadequate infrastructure.

Vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh had during his interaction with students on January 31 - the first ever in the history of the university - asked the students to fill up a feedback form. In the meeting too, students posed tough questions to the VC on absentee teachers, lack of basic amenities and security.

Students' Union president of IP College, Nikita, said: "Because of teachers' strikes the academic calendar has gone haywire and the syllabi are later completed in a rush, making students suffer. What is the university doing?''

In the feedback forms, the students complained about how the class work was completely disrupted due to teachers' non-cooperation as well as the crumbling infrastructure in many colleges. They explained in detail how everything right from the classroom to libraries to laboratories was lacking proper infrastructure.

Speaking to TOI, Singh said, "The university did receive feedback forms in which students raised concerns over absenteeism, inadequate infrastructure and security for girls. This is a learning experience for the administration and at least we have initiated a process of dialogue. I met over a 1,000 teachers as well there after and I feel follow-up dialogues will help address most of the concerns.''

Many principals during their ongoing three-day meet with the VC also apprised him of similar problems. In fact, disruption of the academic schedule was the focus on the second day of the meeting on Tuesday, when Singh interacted with principals of west Delhi colleges. The VC is going to meet the principals of south Delhi colleges on Thursday.

"The administration is serious about restoring the academic atmosphere in the university. In the recent past there was a complete breakdown of communication between teachers and the administration. It also sent a wrong message to the world outside. But with things settling down and the new VC trying for amicable solutions, I believe things will be better here on. After all, all stakeholders should think of students' welfare first,'' said principal of Kirori Mal College, Bhim Sen Singh.