Kharagpur skeptical over pay hike talks

M Thenmozhi,president of the All India IIT Teachers’ Federation,however,claimed: “The talks held on Friday and Saturday between the directors and the minister were positive. The minister has assured us that he will do whatever he can do in his capacity.” She added that though there will be no fresh draft on the salary and service conditions,the ministry has promised that the chairman,board of governors and directors of the IITs will deal with issues in a more flexible manner. The IIT council will henceforth meet more often.

But contrary to her claim,many teachers at IIT-Kharagpur are not happy with the outcome of the talks. “Most teachers are unhappy and feel a great injustice is being done to the IIT system. But we are not transporters or pilots and cannot prolong our agitation,” said a professor.

A teacher claimed that the only breakthrough has been the ministry agreeing that a teacher having four years experience as associate professor in IIT or similar institutions will be eligible for the post of professor.

Many feel that at this point,there is no way but to accept whatever the ministry is offering. “We have to make the nation aware of the kind of work we do at the IITs. Till then,we have to accept whatever guru dakhshina we are being offered,” said a teacher.