Himachal govt teachers’ body joins national movement against ‘anti-education’ Centre policies

The Himachal Pradesh Government College Teachers Association (HGCTA) has expressed support for the ongoing national movement against the “anti-education” policies of the Central Government and the University Grants Commission (UGC), organised by the All India Federation of University and College Teachers' Organisations (AIFUCTO).

AIFUCTO has demanded that the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, be repealed. Additionally, the body has called for an increase of 10 per cent in budget allocation for fundamental changes in education, and the restoration of increments for MPhil and PhD programmes.

AIFUCTO national vice-president Dr Banita Saklani criticised the NEP for “undermining the federal structure of the Constitution”, and reducing the role of states in education.

"In Himachal Pradesh, numerous demands from college teachers have been pending for years, with the state’s government college teachers association struggling to address these issues. Notably, increments for MPhil and PhD programmes have been suspended since 2014, which is a key demand of both AIFUCTO and HGCTA,” she said.

"Additionally, contract faculty in Himachal Pradesh are receiving only 40 per cent of the UGC pay scale, raising concerns of exploitation within the educated workforce. HGCTA is also advocating for regular recruitment of teachers in colleges," Dr Saklani added.

AIFUCTO is calling for full staffing of educational and non-teaching positions, as well as the implementation of the recommendations from the 8th Finance Commission. Dr Saklani, who also serves as the HGCTA president, welcomed AIFUCTO's call and expressed full support for the movement.