College, varsity teachers to get revised UGC scales: Himachal CM Jai Ram Thakur

Mandi, June 28

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today inaugurated two blocks of Sardar Patel University, the second goverment university of Himachal Pradesh, in Mandi district constructed at a cost of Rs 16.18 crore. Over 140 government and private colleges of Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Lahaul and Spiti and Kullu districts will be under this state university.

Thakur, while addressing the inaugural ceremony at the auditorium of the Dev Sadan, Mandi, announced that college and university teachers would be provided the revised UGC scales. He said that a notification in this respect would be issued within a month.

The Himachal Pradesh Government College Teachers’ Association (HPGCTA) had long been urging the Chief Minister to implement the seventh pay scales of the UGC. Thakur said that it was a historic moment as the second government state university came into existence after 52 years.

He urged the faculty and students of the university to work diligently and with missionary zeal. He said that this university had been named after Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel as a mark as of respect for his contributions to building a united India by integrating the princely states. He said that a statue of Sardar Patel would be installed on the campus.

He said that having two universities would also increase post graduate seats and students would be able to take admission easily for higher education. With the opening of this university the burden on Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, would be reduced.

Nostalgically remembering his college days, the CM said, “Whatever, I had learnt during my college days, was helping me today to overcome different hurdles in life. An amount of Rs 27 crore has been spent on the construction of Vallabh College campus and it would be completed by September this year. It was a proud moment for me that a former student of this college has today dedicated the second University to the people of the state. Appropriate land will be identified for setting up the campus of the university. Till then, classes will be held on the existing campus from July this year,” he said.

“Although a small state, Himachal has shown the way to several big states in the field of education. Now, the state government is focusing on quality of education,” he added.

Jal Shakti Minister Mahender Singh Thakur and Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur also spoke on this occasion.

Vice-Chancellor DD Sharma welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

Demand met, teachers withdraw strike

• The All Universities and College Teachersi Joint Action Committee withdrew agitation after the Chief Minister announced new UGC pay scales
• The announcement came a day after teachers decided not to participate in academic and non-academic activities
• Teachers requested the Chief Minister to expedite the process of notification and allow JAC members to meet him to express their gratitude