KUTA threatens strike if demands not accepted

Nitish Sharma
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, August 20

Seeking implementation of the age of superannuation from 60 to 65 years, implementation of UGC guidelines regarding promotion and advance PHD increments and issuance of the roster for recruitment, the Kurukshetra University Teachers Association has threatened to give a call of a strike if the demands were not met soon.

Speaking to The Tribune, KUTA President Sanjeev Sharma said, “The teachers (PHD without net) of the Kurukshetra University have been waiting for the five advance increments for last five years. It was among the promises of BJP’s manifesto. The file had been approved by the Chief Minister in year 2017 but it is pending with the finance department. On the other hand, the PHD increments of teachers, who have completed their PHD after the year 2016, within service, have been put on hold in the absence of issuance of UGC guidelines.”

 “Nearly 40 per cent of the nearly 400 sanctioned posts have been lying vacant but no recruitment of teachers has been made in KU since year 2012. A committee which was formed under KU Vice-Chancellor KC Sharma has already submitted its recommendations for the implantation of the roster which is lying pending with the DHE. The KUTA has been seeking the implantation of the age of superannuation from 60 to 65 years too as per the UGC guidelines. It has been a long pending demand of the teachers association. Madhya Pradesh and the Uttar Pradesh governments have already decided to increase the retirement age of the teachers to 65 years but there are no positive signs in this regard from the Haryana Government”, he added.

The office-bearers of KUTA held meetings over these issues with the officials of finance department and higher education department on Monday as well in Chandigarh.

The KUTA President said, “We have met the officials repeatedly over these issues but to no avail, following which there is a sense of resentment among the teachers. The files and recommendations of the committees regarding the demands are lying with the government and concerned departments but no action is being taken. The association has decided to launch an agitation with a series of demonstrations from August 31 if the demands are not met, and the association may also give the call of strike.”

What the teachers want

• Raise the age of superannuation from 60 to 65 years
• Implement UGC guidelines regarding promotion and advance PHD increments and issuance of the roster for recruitment