Sirsa varsity VC motivates contractual faculty, promises to address grievances

At a meeting held on Wednesday at Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, Vice-Chancellor Prof Vijay Kumar motivated contractual assistant professors to work with dedication towards enhancing teaching quality, promoting research and contributing to the overall growth of higher education. Addressing the faculty at the university’s Tagore Extension Hall, he remarked that education is not merely a means to secure employment, but a powerful tool for bringing positive transformation in society.

Prof Kumar emphasised that teachers who work with honesty, commitment and creativity shape not only the futures of their students but also their own professional reputations. He underlined that both regular and contractual faculty members share equal responsibility in ensuring the academic, emotional, mental and moral development of students. The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the importance of adopting modern technology and media in pedagogy to prepare students with 21st-century skills.

He urged all educators to integrate research and innovation into their teaching practices. Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Prof Kumar highlighted the need for higher education institutions to shift from traditional content delivery to a multidisciplinary, skill-based, value-driven and research-oriented model.

However, the meeting also became a platform for several contractual assistant professors to raise long-pending grievances. Key issues included delayed salary payments, absence of Dearness Allowance (DA), lack of paternity and research leave, no annual salary increments, and various departmental concerns. The most pressing demand voiced by the faculty was the regularisation of their employment — an issue many have been advocating for years.

Prof Kumar patiently listened to all concerns and assured the attendees that the university administration is committed to resolving these issues in a timely and structured manner.

Currently, CDLU employs 62 contractual assistant professors, of whom 42 were present at the meeting. One faculty member candidly shared, “The Vice-Chancellor has high expectations from us, but he should also recognise our genuine problems and support us. If the university wants us to perform well, it must also extend the benefits we rightfully deserve.”

The meeting was also attended by Registrar Prof Ashok Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs Prof Suresh Gehlawat, Dean Research Prof Priyanka Siwach, Dean USGS Prof Sushil Kumar and Dean Student Welfare Prof Rajkumar.