Teachers of Delhi University will start a five-day strike on Monday to protest against recent government moves that they claim will increase costs of education and affect quality. The Delhi University Teachers’ Association has questioned the funding formula for central universities and the new policy on autonomous institutions, which it said is a “policy assault” on higher education, NDTV reported.

Through the 30:70 funding formula, central universities are expected to raise 30% of the financial burden resulting from implementing the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. This will “immediately affect not only the disbursement of salaries but will force universities to raise funds through student fees and introduction of self-financing courses”, Delhi University Teachers’ Association President Rajib Ray said in February.

The association said the funding rule will lead to privatisation and commercialisation of public education, making it inaccessible to many students. They called the policy “anti-people” and “anti-education”.

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association also wants the withdrawal of a proposal that replaces grants for universities with loans through the Higher Education Funding Agency. It is also protesting against the new policy on “graded autonomy”. Guidelines notified by the University Grants Commission say that colleges that do better will get more autonomy based on a graded scale, The Hindu reported last month.

The association has asked students and their parents to support the agitation.