The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers' Association (CACTA) has launched a sharp critique against the Union Territory administration, accusing it of intentionally stalling the implementation of crucial University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and withholding pending service benefits for educators in privately-run government-aided colleges.
Allegations of Unjustified Delay and Ambiguity
At a press conference held at the Press Club in Sector 27 on Thursday, representatives of the association expressed deep frustration. They stated that the administration has failed to enforce mandatory UGC norms, despite a clear 2022 announcement by the Union Home Minister that Chandigarh, as a UT, would follow central government policies. CACTA termed this prolonged delay as "unjustified" and highlighted alleged ambiguity surrounding the entire issue.
Key Pending Demands of the Faculty
The association laid out a list of its major unresolved demands, which have created significant discontent among the teaching staff. These include:
- Implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions with effect from July 18, 2018.
- Enhancement of dearness allowance starting January 2025.
- Provision of a 20% House Rent Allowance (HRA).
- Confirmation of a one-year probation period with full salary.
- An increase in the retirement age for teachers.
- Full and complete implementation of the UGC Regulations, 2018.
CACTA emphasized that aided colleges in Chandigarh cater to over 30,000 students and play a vital role in the city's higher education ecosystem. However, they lamented that the genuine concerns of the faculty continue to be ignored by the authorities.
Threat of Intensified Agitation Looms
While the association has so far refrained from resorting to exam boycotts to protect students' academic interests, it issued a stern warning. If their demands are not addressed promptly, they plan to escalate their agitation in the upcoming academic session.
Planned protest actions include demonstrations at the UT Secretariat, marches to Raj Bhavan, and sit-ins at key locations across the city. CACTA reiterated that their agitation is solely aimed at securing rightful dues as per UGC norms while safeguarding the educational welfare of students.
As of now, the UT administration has not issued an official response to these serious allegations and the looming threat of protest.
