NACF, PCCTU at loggerheads

Move to Amend Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Act, 1974

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 17

The representatives of the Non-Government Aided Colleges’ Federation (NACF) and that of Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union (PCCTU) expressed opposing views on the state government’s recent move to amend the Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Act, 1974.

While NACF president RMS Chinna released a statement condemning the amendments, taking a strong exception to the proposed ‘Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021’ as passed by Punjab Vidhan Sabha on November 11, the PCCTU members termed the amendments as a means to end ‘draconian’ practices in private colleges.

In an emergency meeting of its office-bearers, the NACF termed the amendments as a `dangerous’ attack on the autonomy of colleges that will harm higher education, which is already witnessing a tough time due to the current fall in admissions and financial challenges. The federation shot off a letter to Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday seeking intervention into the arbitrary and illegal move of the government.

“The government must not rush to enact the bill into a law as it violates the law of the land,” said NACF president Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina.

“There is a provision of appointing an administrator to manage the affairs of affiliated college in case of suspension of the managing committee, which is a highly regressive step. On a small, trivial pretext, the government will intervene in the affairs of the colleges which violate the original structure of autonomy available to the institutions of higher learning,” said Chhina. He added that the bill proposes to give the government unnecessary controls, which will thwart free dissemination of education.

“If need arises, all colleges will be shut in protest against the new move and legal recourse will also be taken,” Chhina had said.

Meanwhile, Vinay Sophat, president PCCTU called Chinna’s statement irresponsible. He said the amendment made by the Punjab Government was a welcome step, as it would lead to transparency in the working of the managements and keep an eye on proper utilisation of public funds.

“It will put an end to the ‘draconian’ practices adopted by some colleges. In recent years, there have been many instances where the management federation has failed to explain the anti-teacher decisions of private colleges. They must explain why college managements are not regularising services of teachers appointed against 1,925 posts in spite of many reminders of the Punjab Government? They are continuously violating their own commitments. The provision of the Act will be applicable only if the managements do not follow the existing rules and regulations of the UGC, Punjab Government and University Calendar,” he said.

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