The India Post, Chandigarh, 24th January, 2009 :Dr. S. S. Dhillon and Dr. Jagwant Singh, President and General Secretary respectively of Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (PFUCTO), in a joint statement welcomed the statement of Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Education Minister, Punjab that “We are committed to implementing the new pay scales…” appearing in a section of the press today, However, they pointed out that the official notification is available on the ‘official’ website of Govt. of India and same was sent to the office of Chief Secretary, Punjab by MHRD, Govt. of India immediately after the notification on 31.12.2008.
They said otherwise also, it should not be difficult for Govt. of Punjab to get an official copy from Govt. of India. Teachers leaders stated that they do not doubt intentions of Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, who herself has been a teacher in university but are extremely wary of the commitments of state of Punjab which has not only failed to fulfill its’ promises with teachers, but also the written undertaking given to the Govt. of India while implementing 1996 pay scales. Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Jagwant Singh, said the teachers are extremely conscious of the fact this is the peak time of the session and any major interruption should be avoided. They appealed to Dr. Upinderjit Kaur to do the needful and notify the new pay scales. PFUCTO is scheduled to hold a rally at Chandigarh on Jan 28.