University and College Teachers of Punjab have decided to launch agitation from August 25 to press for early release of arrears of UGC pay scales and other demands. Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (PFUCTO) has decided to cease work for 2 hours in universities and colleges of Punjab on Aug 25 and hold district level rallies throughout the state. Teachers of Panjab University, colleges of Chandigarh and PAU where full arrears have already been paid will bear black badges on August 25. However, all teachers will proceed on mass casual leave on Teachers’ Day (September 5) and hold a rally at Chandigarh to highlight demands.
In a statement Prof. H.S. Kingra and Dr. Jagwant Singh, President and General Secretary respectively of the Federation said that while 70 percent arrears of pay revision have been released to the state Govt. employees, no money has been released for employees of GNDU, Panjabi University, Govt. colleges and aided colleges of Punjab. They said Govt. of India is willing to release its’ 80 percent shares in 2-3 instalments and has written to the state govt. in this regard. However, the money will be released by Govt. of India as reimbursement. Therefore, Punjab Govt. should immediately release 70% of the arrears and seek reimbursement of 80% amount from Govt. of India.
Dr. Jagwant Singh said that other demands of teachers include greater funding of higher education, filling up of vacant posts, better security of service and salaries for unaided staff and pension gratuity scheme for staff of aided colleges. He said that the number of vacancies in the university system are nearly 4000 and pension-gratuity scheme is hanging in fire for two decades. The lack of funding by the Govt. is causing serious problems for both universities and colleges.
Dr. Jagwant Singh
General Secretary
