The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers Association (CACTA) has launched a strong protest against the Union Territory administration for its continued failure to fully implement University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations for teachers. The association has warned of an intensified agitation if their long-pending demands are not met promptly.
Core of the Dispute: Central Funding vs. Punjab's Policies
In a detailed statement to the media, CACTA clarified the administrative and financial structure of the colleges involved. The association emphasized that aided colleges in Chandigarh receive a 95 per cent grant-in-aid directly from the central government, channeled through the Chandigarh Administration. CACTA firmly stated that these institutions have no administrative or statutory linkage with the Government of Punjab.
The teachers expressed strong resentment that despite a public announcement by the Union Home Minister reaffirming Chandigarh's status as a Union Territory under the central government's direct authority, the administration continues to delay implementation. CACTA alleges that citing Punjab's consent or policies to deny or delay teachers' statutory service benefits is "legally untenable and constitutionally flawed".
Statutory Violations and Pending Demands
The association asserted that once adopted, UGC regulations are binding and must be implemented in totality. They argue that any selective or partial implementation amounts to arbitrary discrimination and violates the statutory provisions governing higher education in India.
The key pending demands of the teachers, which have been delayed for years, include:
- Implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions with effect from July 18, 2018.
- Release of pending dearness allowance (DA).
- Enhancement of house rent allowance (HRA) to 20 per cent.
- Confirmation of a one-year probation period with full salary.
- Enhancement of the age of superannuation in line with UGC norms.
Peaceful Protest and Warning of Escalation
CACTA highlighted that their peaceful protest, a candle march held on a recent Thursday, witnessed participation from over 125 teachers and was conducted in a disciplined manner. The association described the police detention during the event as "unwarranted."
This protest, however, is being termed as just the beginning. The association has warned that if their grievances are not addressed, they will launch a larger and more intense agitation. Raising serious concerns over the academic fallout, CACTA pointed out that more than 35,000 students are enrolled in aided colleges across Chandigarh. They warned that continued neglect of teachers' rights and legitimate demands could seriously jeopardize academic stability and the smooth functioning of these institutions.
The association reiterated its fundamental stand: teachers serving in a Union Territory, which is under the direct governance of the central government, cannot be treated unequally or denied the statutory benefits guaranteed by UGC regulations adopted for their welfare and career progression.
