Contract Teachers Near Retirement, Seek Government Support After Legal Win
Patiala, June 22
Around 150 contract teachers affiliated with the Punjabi University Contract Teachers Association (PUKTA) have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for justice after failing to secure relief from the university administration despite a favourable court verdict.
These teachers, serving in 14 constituent colleges and university campuses across Punjab’s Malwa region, said that although the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled in their favour, Punjabi University has decided to challenge the verdict before a Division Bench instead of implementing it.
The teachers have urged the Chief Minister to intervene and address their long-pending demands, pointing out that they have been serving the university for the last 10 to 15 years. Nearly 80 percent of them are nearing retirement, while some have already retired without receiving the benefits they claim are due.
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Meeting with Vice Chancellor Ends Without Breakthrough
A PUKTA delegation met the Vice Chancellor on Monday and raised issues related to salary benefits and regularisation as per the Rajan Goyal case judgment and the UGC notifications of 2010 and 2018.
However, according to the association, the university administration did not provide any concrete assurance and instead indicated that it would challenge the judgment before a Division Bench.
PUKTA President Taranjit Kaur and General Secretary Ramanpreet Singh said that all contract teachers fulfil the eligibility criteria laid down by the UGC and the Punjab Government. They have been teaching and performing all academic responsibilities at the university campus, constituent colleges and neighbourhood campuses for over a decade.
They expressed hope that Chief Minister Mann, who often speaks about educational reforms and employment security, would intervene and provide relief to nearly 150 contract teachers.
What is the Rajan Goyal Judgment?
According to PUKTA General Secretary Ramanpreet Singh, the Punjab and Haryana High Court delivered its verdict in the Rajan Goyal vs Others case on April 30, 2026, granting the university two months to comply.
The court directed the university to pay contract teachers salaries as per UGC norms from the date of their appointment, along with arrears and 6 percent annual interest.
‘Funds Shortage’ Argument Only for Contract Teachers: PUKTA
PUKTA’s legal advisor and Assistant Professor Surinder Singh alleged that Punjabi University is following a discriminatory policy.
He claimed that while regular faculty members, ad hoc teachers and guest faculty are being paid according to the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, contract teachers continue to receive fixed salaries under the old system.
The association alleged that this practice violates UGC regulations and urged the state government to ensure equal treatment and justice for contract teachers.
