PUCTA Announces Hunger Strike University’s Evasive Decisions Despite Assurances
Patiala, May 6:
Despite assurances from Punjabi University, Patiala, the demands of contract teachers remain unaddressed even after 10 days, prompting the Punjabi University Contract Teachers’ Association (PUCTA) to prepare for a hunger strike. The strike, led by teacher leaders, is set to begin on Wednesday.
The ongoing protest under PUCTA’s banner continued today outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Contract teachers, who have been agitating since April 22 to press their demands, marked the 15th day of their demonstration. These teachers, working across various university institutions, are demanding the implementation of the 2018 UGC-approved pay commission for all contract teachers. During a meeting with contract teachers on April 25, the Vice-Chancellor promised that their demands would be met within 10 days, and the relevant pay commission would be implemented. However, despite the lapse of 10 days, no information regarding any action on the pay commission has been shared, nor has the university issued any letter concerning the 2018 UGC regulations.
watch……Contract Teachers Protest Against Punjab Government, Surround Pbi. Uni VC Office
PUCTA President Dr. Tarnjit Kaur stated that the university authorities have completely failed to honor their commitments. Consequently, starting May 7, protests against the university will be intensified, and a phased hunger strike will commence. The struggle will continue until contract assistant professors receive their rightful dues.
According to Dr. Tarnjit Kaur, the contract teachers are working in accordance with university regulations. However, the university is misleading them by forcibly linking their terms to Punjab Government rules. While the university has applied the 2018 UGC regulations to set pay scales for regular, guest, and temporary teachers, it is creating obstacles in extending the same pay scale to contract teachers. Dr. Kaur questioned how the university can adopt a discriminatory approach toward its own teachers.
