Chandigarh : Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Union (PCCTU) has given call to its’ members from colleges affiliated to Panjab University, Chandigarh to proceed on mass casual leave on October 12, to register their protest against the Govt. Teachers will hold a protest rally the same day at Chattar Singh Park, Ludhiana. The protest will be followed by similar actions by teachers of GNDU Area on October 16 and by Punjabi University on October 20 at Fatehgarh Sahib.
Dr. Jagwant Singh, President PCCTU in a statement condemned the attitude of Govt. of Punjab towards higher education. He said that there is a backlog of salaries of nine months due to failure of Govt. of Punjab to release grants. In a completely unlawful fashion the amount of HRA and medical allowance has been reduced. While UGC has extended the date of completion of RC/OC upto December 2013, Govt. of Punjab has not extended the date beyond December 2000, which is completely irrational. The promised amended of Security of Service Act to cover unaided staff in a categorical way has an also not be fulfilled. Dr. Jagwant Singh also stated that teachers and academicians are extremely worried about the fund crunch and lack of commitment on the part of state and central Governments. He said that during last year or so the lack of finds has affected research is institutions funded by Govt. of India including Panjab University, where massive diversion of funds from research to salaries in bound to hit the research achievements. College are struggling to survive and some have passed resolutions that Govt. may take over there colleges.
He said that teachers are also concerned that Govt. of India is yet to appointment UGC pay review committee, while seventh pay commission will submit its report before December 2015.