EducationReform – Delhi Reviews Governance at Skill University

EducationReform – The Delhi government has initiated a fresh evaluation of the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) following mounting concerns over its governance structure and academic functioning.

Government Plans Wider Consultations

Senior officials confirmed on Wednesday that the administration is weighing the option of expanding stakeholder consultations as part of its review process. In addition to a four-member panel already constituted, the government may seek insights from former AICTE chairman T G Sitharam to ensure an independent and comprehensive assessment.

The move comes after a series of complaints from students and faculty members regarding administrative processes, academic standards, and operational challenges. Officials indicated that the broader consultation would help identify structural gaps and recommend corrective measures to strengthen the institution.

Legal Developments Intensify Scrutiny

The review gains significance in the backdrop of a legal development earlier this year. On January 21, 2026, an FIR was registered against DSEU Vice-Chancellor Ashok Nagawat and former registrar Gagan Dhawan. The case pertains to alleged harassment of a female faculty member and was filed following directions from a Delhi court.

While the investigation is ongoing, the incident has led to increased attention on the university’s administrative practices and internal mechanisms for addressing grievances.

Review Committee Begins Assessment

The government-appointed four-member panel held its first meeting on January 30. The session was attended by senior officials and academic representatives from Delhi Technological University, the Directorate of Training and Technical Education, and the University of Delhi. According to an official communication, the Vice-Chancellor was asked to nominate the university registrar to participate in the deliberations.

The committee has been assigned a wide-ranging mandate. It will evaluate governance systems, academic procedures, recruitment policies for teaching and non-teaching staff, human resource practices, programme design, and infrastructure utilisation across campuses that were merged under DSEU. Administrative efficiency and compliance standards will also form part of the review.

Officials said the panel’s recommendations will guide future reforms and help enhance the overall framework of skill development and technical education in the national capital.

Concerns After Institutional Merger

DSEU was established in 2020 with the objective of consolidating several government polytechnics and skill centres under one umbrella institution. The initiative was presented as a step toward modernising vocational education and improving employability through industry partnerships.

However, over the past few years, the university has faced repeated criticism. Student groups and staff associations have flagged issues including alleged administrative lapses, infrastructure deficiencies, faculty shortages, and fee increases. Some stakeholders have also raised concerns about declining enrolment and the perceived dilution of academic standards following the merger of multiple institutions.

Employees have pointed to operational difficulties arising from the integration process, while students have questioned whether the university’s original commitment to accessible and affordable technical education is being maintained.

Vision and Way Forward

When launched, DSEU outlined an ambitious roadmap that included multidisciplinary programmes, scholarship opportunities, industry collaborations, and structured placement support. The institution was envisioned as a platform to expand access to quality skill education and strengthen employment prospects for diverse sections of society.

The ongoing review is expected to provide clarity on the challenges faced since its inception and suggest reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and academic quality. Officials emphasised that the goal is not only to address current concerns but also to ensure long-term stability and credibility within Delhi’s higher education ecosystem.

The government is likely to take further steps once the committee submits its findings. Stakeholders across the technical education sector are closely watching the outcome, as the recommendations may influence broader policy decisions related to vocational training and skill development in the capital.