Month on, Pbi varsity professors' protest over dues continues

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 2

Plagued by delayed salaries and delayed promotions, faculty members at Punjabi University are banking on their years of experience and credentials to find a job elsewhere.

The senior-most professors in the region have been protesting outside the office of Vice-Chancellor for a month now seeking pending salaries.

The protesters have also written to the Chief Minister’s office, but to no avail.

An associate professor, who has over 15 years of experience, said, “The university’s dismal fiscal health has forced us to stage protests. We have been left in stew, as we have no idea when we will receive our dues. This has greatly impacted our quality of work. The government should at least take care of our salaries. We are being forced to look for alternative jobs.”

Dr Lovedeep Sharma, president, Punjabi University Contractual Teachers’ Association (PUCTA), said about 50 per cent contractual teachers were searching for other jobs. “Of 104 contractual teachers, nearly 19 working in the university’s constituent colleges since 2012 had left their jobs post 2016. Some went abroad and others are on the lookout of jobs elsewhere. Besides, five others are ready to fly abroad and are waiting for travel restrictions to lift.”

Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, president, Punjabi University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) said, “It is possible that a few teachers working here on a contractual basis might be searching for alternative employment options. After all, for how long can one sustain oneself sans regular income? The government seems to lack enthusiasm to fund the education system.”

Reeling under the debt, the university has put a check on its expenditures.

A senior faculty member said, “Earlier, we used to hold discussions on historical, political and economical issues. However, now, the non-payment of salaries and other Covid-19-related issues have dominated our conversations.”