136 aided colleges’ staff hold agitation with black badges
Ludhiana, September 5
Following instructions of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teacher Union (PCCTU), today, staff of 136 aided colleges in the state held a protest with black badges and a two-period demonstration against the state government’s neglect of higher education on Teacher’s Day.
District president Dr Chamkaur Singh said it was unfortunate that on the Teacher’s Day they had to tell the government that it was jeopardising higher education in the state. On September 5, 2022, CM Bhagwant Mann had announced the implementation of the Seveth Pay Commission, which has not been processed to date, he added.
“The DPI office have also raised questions on the colleges’ performance, as years-old files are not being processed. Complaints in this regard have already been sent to the Chief Minister,” Singh said.
Punjab University Area Secretary Dr Raman Sharma said all covered and uncovered posts in aided colleges must be brought under a 95 per cent grant to maintain the quality of education.
PCCTU Executive Member Dr Varun Goel said the state government, following High Court orders, had filled 1,925 posts in aided colleges, but the grant for these grant-in-aid posts was reduced from 95 per cent to 85 per cent, resulting in a financial burden on the colleges, making it difficult to pay the salaries. The union demanded the government restored the 95 per cent grant.
District Secretary Dr Sundar Singh said the government should provide professors with an exemption for refresher courses. “Additionally, reduction of the age limit for the recruitment of principals from 60 to 58 is strongly opposed. The government needs to reconsider this decision,” Dr Sundar Singh added.
PCCTU Executive Member Prof Aditi Sharma said child care leave should be mandatorily implemented for teachers in colleges. — TNS
