College teachers under DAV hold black badge protest

The teaching staff of most city colleges under DAV management observed a symbolic protest today by wearing black badges during the working hours. The protest was carried out in response to a call given by the DAV College Coordination Committee to implement the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission. It is pertinent to note that in an online meeting held on April 10, the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) had decided that teachers will be wearing black badges on April 11 and 12.

The demonstration, held by teachers at DAV College, Hathi Gate and BBKDAV College for Women, aimed at drawing attention to the long-standing demands of the teachers, which continue to be ignored by the DAV College Managing Committee. “Despite repeated representations and reminders, the managing committee has failed to respond meaningfully or take any concrete steps towards resolution. The black badge protest signifies the growing frustration among staff members across DAV institutions. The benefit of the Seventh Pay Commission has not been extended to the teachers, despite memorandums. Teachers recruited under the 1925 posts receive PF benefits only on their basic pay rather than their total pay, which is against the rules of the university concerned. The arrears of Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions remain unpaid, and many promotions are still pending despite teachers fulfilling all eligibility criteria,” said Seema Jaitley, president, PCCTU unit and faculty at BBKDAV College for Women. She added that if no satisfactory action is taken, a state executive committee meeting will be held on April 20 to determine the future course of protest.