UGC recommends massive pay hike

NEW DELHI, June 12: The Rastogi Pay Committee instituted by the University Grants Commission UGC has recommended a massive hike in the pa...

NEW DELHI, June 12: The Rastogi Pay Committee instituted by the University Grants Commission UGC has recommended a massive hike in the pay-scale of college and university teachers.

According to the recommendations, the basic pay-scales for lecturers will be increased from Rs 2,200-4,000 to Rs 8,000-13,500, for senior lecturers from Rs 3,000-5,000 to Rs 10,000-15,200, for readers from Rs 3,700-5,700 to Rs 12,000-18,000 and for professors from Rs 4,500-7,300 to Rs 14,300-22,400.

The committee has also suggested that the age of superannuation be raised from 60 years to 62 years. Citing the recommendation of the Vth Pay Commission, the committee has said that if the retirement age of government employees is from 58 to 60, UGC should follow this example.

The committee which was set up three years ago to consider revision in pay-scale and service condition of all college and university teachers has prepared a 218-page report. The report has recommended assessment of teachers by students; inclusion of code of conduct in the teachers8217; service contract; removal of legal restriction on teachers participation in elections and special facilities for women teachers.

Emphasising the need for accountability in the teaching profession, the committee has suggested 8220;self-appraisal by teachers, assessment by students in an appropriate manner, periodic performance appraisal having regard to the number of teaching days, work-load and code of professional ethics.8221;

The report has suggested that code of professional ethics be made a part of the regulations of UGC and incorporated in the Acts and Statutes of universities.

The seven-member committee has also recommended that student appraisal should be an integral part of the package of recommendation on pay-scales and service conditions. The probation for teachers has been extended to two years and can be further extended by one year if the performance is unsatisfactory.

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Dr J P Sharma, president of the Progressive Teachers Organisation, has already warned that his organisation would fightany increase of the probation period for teachers and the inclusion of a mandatory code of conduct. The committee also feels that since 8220;working women have to bear the dual responsibility8221;, day-care centres should be opened in colleges and universities and special quarters for single woman teachers.