State contractual teachers seek job security through proposed bill

Members of the Haryana Universities Contractual Teachers’ Association (HUCTA) met Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda on Sunday at his residence in Panipat. The delegation submitted a memorandum urging the introduction of an ordinance in the upcoming winter session to provide job security for assistant professors, similar to the protections offered to extension lecturers in colleges.

Led by HUCTA State President Vijay Malik, the delegation called for the introduction of a Service Security Bill for contractual assistant professors working in government universities under the Higher Education Department. They asked for the bill to be tabled and passed during the winter session of the Haryana Assembly.

Malik stated the Education Minister assured the delegation he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and work to bring the bill before the Assembly this winter. He also expressed hope that the bill would be passed soon.

He pointed out last winter, the government had passed the Service Security Act-2024 for extension lecturers in colleges. However, around 1,400 assistant professors, who have similar qualifications and work experience, have been excluded from this benefit.

“The proposed bill has already received in-principle approval from the departmental committee and the Higher Education Department in Panchkula has compiled information from all universities. The bill is currently awaiting final approval from the Education Department,” Malik added.

The HUCTA delegation said contractual assistant professors were appointed according to prescribed procedures, meeting all qualifications for their posts.

Alongside Malik, HUCTA members Anjana Mishra, Poonam, Amit Malik and others were present at the meeting with the Education Minister.