Govt aided college teachers protest at Punjab University for revised pay scales

The protesting teachers raised slogans and sought a clarification from the PU authorities – whether the teachers on self-financed posts are a liability or an asset for an institution. They contended that despite most of the prominent administrative positions in PU being held by teachers on self-financed posts, the PU is not taking appropriate action against the highhandedness of these private managements.

Teachers on Saturday also had a talk with vice-chancellor and syndicate members of PU. They also met with Dr Sanjay Kaushik, Dean College Development Council (DCDC). In the meeting, the teachers emphasised that just because the courses are self-financed, the teachers cannot be discriminated against on that ground.

Dr Amitabh Dwivedi, general secretary of CACTA, asked the DCDC that why did the university not seek a compliance certificate and confirmation from these private managements – that while they have been collecting enhanced fees from the students specifically for the sake of granting revised pay scales, then why have they not granted the scales till date. He also questioned who is stopping or intimidating the PU officials to act against the ‘autocratic’ functioning of these private managements.

Dr Kulvinder Singh, president, CACTA, condemned the “callous attitude of PU authorities and their inability to stop the discrimination and exploitation of teachers by the private management”. He alleged that while the private managements are leaving no stone unturned to fill their coffers with the government grants and fees from the students, they are openly and fearlessly flouting the PU/UGC norms and exploiting their teachers and the UT administration and PU officials are just watching it like a mute spectator.