College teachers from Non-Govt. colleges of Punjab and Chandigarh are on warpath as Govt. of Punjab has failed to take any concrete steps to resolve their grievances. Under the banner of Punjab and Chandgiarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU), teachers have planned cease work on Nov 8 and a rally at Batala on the same day. In a statement
Dr. Jagwant Singh, President, PCCTU said that a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal on October 3rd had raised hopes that due to his intervention, the Education Minister and the Department will work seriously to resolve the matter. However, their progress so far has completely disappointed teachers forcing them to start agitation. Dr. Jagwant Singh said that Batala has been decided as the venue of state rally as political circles suggest that Education Minister is likely to contest from this constituency.
Dr. Jagwant Singh said that S. Parkash Singh Badal as Chief Minister had amended the Security of Service Act 1974, in the year 1999 to include previsions for payment of pension and gratuity to the staff of aided colleges on the pattern of aided schools. A detailed scheme was approved by his Cabinet on December 10, 2001, which is yet to see the light of the day. Shiromani Akali Dal in its manifesto had promised to implement the scheme, but nothing has been done in this regard so far, despite claims that all the promises made in manifesto have been fulfilled.
PCCTU is extremely sore with the govt. for an amendment made in the Security of Service Act in December 2007 diluting the security provisions. Dr. Jagwant said Singh the amendment is unconstitutional as it violates principles of natural justice and also contradicts T.M.A. Pai Judgment of the Supreme Court of India.
All the stakeholders is college education are perturbed with the ban on recruitment of posts imposed in 2005. Which has done serious damage to the edifice of higher education. Other demands of teachers include release of UGC pay scale arrears conversion of posts, extension in the date for completion of refresher courses.