Restore MPhil, PhD increments: Teachers’ assn to UGC

The Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) has written to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to restore MPhil/PhD increments on the basis of previous pay commission practices. “This is in reference to the UGC clarification for withdrawing grant of non-compounded advance increments for obtaining the MPhil/PhD degrees to eligible teachers and academic staff. We understand that a committee has been constituted by the UGC to reconsider the restoration of advance increments for higher qualifications (MPhil/PhD) to eligible teachers and academic staff,” read a PUTA statement.

It further stated: “These increments not only serve as an acknowledgment of the extensive research efforts undertaken by an individual, but also promote higher academic qualifications among university and college teachers.”

PUTA said the UGC regulation 2018 clause 19.1 allowed five non-compounded advance increment for PhD holders and two non-compounded advance increments for MPhil holders. This decision of the UGC was in response to a nationwide protest against the pay commission notified in 2017 that omitted increments citing that an incentive was already there as a PhD students got faster promotions in their career.