ITI instructors demand revision in grade pay

Haryana’s ITI instructors have demanded revision in the initial grade pay of instructors from Rs 3,600 to Rs 4,800, citing the need to enhance the quality of technical education in the state.

Dr Bhupinder Singh, president of the Anudeshak Social Welfare Association (ASWA), said the association had been demanding the revision of the initial grade pay of instructors from Rs 3,600 to Rs 4,800.

He stated that the ITI instructors possess high-level technical qualifications, yet the current grade pay does not reflect their skills and contributions. “Many states across the country have already implemented revised pay structures, leaving Haryana’s instructors behind,” he said.

“We have also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Haryana Nayab Singh Saini in Chandigarh, recently, and in the memorandum, the delegation highlighted the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) notification dated January 7, 2016, the Model Career Progression Guidelines issued on July 15, 2021, and the Draft Guidelines of the STRIVE project—all of which recommend that the states enhance the initial grade pay of instructors to Rs 4,600– Rs 4,800”, Bhupinder Singh added.

The ASWA informed the Chief Minister that inadequate pay had led several instructors to shift to other departments, directly impacting the quality of technical education and industrial skill training.

“The instructors have urged the Chief Minister to implement the Model Career Progression Guidelines in Haryana as soon as possible and, if possible, to enforce the revised pay structure with retrospective effect. Nearly 1,800 ITI instructors will be benefited from the decision in the state. The Chief Minister has assured the delegation that the matter will be reviewed at the departmental level and that the government will consider concrete steps towards a viable solution”, he said.

The association president said they were hopeful that the government would take prompt action to address the long-pending demands. They believe that a timely decision on the grade-pay revision will not only boost their morale but also significantly strengthen the state’s skill education ecosystem.