College teachers urge Himachal CM to expedite promotions

The Himachal Pradesh Government College Teachers’ Association (HGCTA) has urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Education Minister Rohit Thakur to expedite their sluggish promotional process.

According to HGCTA, the teachers who joined way back in 2006 and 2009 are still languishing at the entry level. “Teachers are stuck at the entry for nearly two decades. Considering that monetary burden of each promotion is barely a few thousands per month, the bureaucratic paralysis in this matter is not justified,” said Banita Saklani, president, HGCTA.

According to HGCTA, the situation persists despite several reminders, representations, and assurances. “College teachers sat on dharnas in 2022 for their 7th Pay Commission benefits. Even when the notification came, the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) portion was left out. Four years later, the CAS notification is still pending, forcing qualified faculty members into stagnation,” said Saklani.

The HGCTA further pointed out that the teachers who were promoted to principal’s posts had not received their appointment letters yet and some of them were approaching superannuation. “This is not merely administrative delay but humiliation,” said Saklani. Amarjeet Sharma, Director, Higher Education, said the appointment letters would be issued shortly to the promoted principals.