17th February 2012 : Members of executives committees of association of Panjab University, Guru Nanak Dev University, Panjabi University, Patiala, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Govt. Colleges and Non-Govt. Colleges of Punjab held a protest dharna at Panjab University campus today. Dharna was organized by Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers Organization (PFUCTO) in response to the call given by All India Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (AIFUCTO). AIFUCTO is demanding release of pay scales arrears by Central/State Govts., stoppage of commercialization of higher education, removal anomalies in UGC Regulations (pay scales & Ph.D.) & date of extension of RC/OC, payment of justified salaries following UGC & AICTE pay scales to contractual, Ad Hoc, part time, guest teachers by the state funded universities, colleges, research institutes and self-financing institutions., Complete parity between teachers, librarians and DPEs regarding pay scales and retirement age, withdrawal of new pension scheme and national debate on the educational bills. Addressing the rally President, PFUCTO Prof. H.S. Kingra criticized the Central and State Govt. for failure to release the arrears of pay scale revision even after three years. He said that Punjab Govt. is responsible as it has refused to enhance the retirement age. Dr. Jagwant Singh, General Secretary, PFUCTO said that implementation of the report of pay-scales Anomalies Committee is being delayed without any justification. He said appointment of a review committee to look into the recommendations of Anomalies Committee is raising apprehension that Govt. of India intends to play some mischief. Prof. Akshay Kumar, President, PUTA expressed concern that a large number of teachers who have entered teaching as contractual teachers /guest faculty are being paid low salaries. Prof. Jaipal Singh, President, GCTA said that amongst Govt. employees of Punjab they are the only one who have been denied arrears. Prof. H.S. Walia, General Secretary, PCCTU, criticized Punjab Govt. for delay in release of salary grants resulting into a backlog of five months
Prof. Balwainder Singh, President, GNDUTA said that University authorities should show respect to UGC recommendations and should not distort things to deny CAS to the teachers.
