In a significant development for higher education in West Bengal, two prominent universities in Kolkata have firmly rejected the proposed centralization of pension disbursement through government systems. This decision comes after sustained protests and demonstrations by teaching staff who raised serious concerns about institutional independence and operational integrity.
Jadavpur University Takes a Stand
On Tuesday, the executive council of Jadavpur University made a decisive resolution to not adopt the centralization of pension disbursement via the DPPG (Directorate of Pension, Provident Fund and Group Insurance) and HRMS (Human Resource Management System) framework. This crucial meeting occurred amidst a visible sit-in demonstration by approximately 500 teachers from various departments, who gathered at Aurobindo Bhavan to voice their opposition.
The Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA), representing not only faculty but also non-teaching staff, officials, and pensioners, formally submitted a memorandum to the executive council outlining their demands. In a show of solidarity, the All Bengal University Teachers' Association (ABUTA), JU Local Chapter, declared a cease-work and presented their own letter of protest.
Faculty Arguments Against the System
According to JUTA general secretary Partha Pratim Ray, teachers presented compelling arguments against the new pension framework. They contended that the proposed system was both illegal and unethical, as it directly violated the specific service conditions and statutes under which they were originally recruited and appointed.
Ray further revealed that despite repeated attempts by a representative from the higher education council to obstruct the discussion during the executive council meeting, the Vice-Chancellor ultimately confirmed that the university would not proceed with implementing either the HRMS or DPPG systems. This represents a clear victory for the protesting faculty members.
Presidency University Follows Suit
In a parallel development, authorities at Presidency University reached a similar conclusion following an agitation by their teaching staff on Monday. The university administration determined that the DPPG and HRMS system would "not be implementable as it would jeopardise the academic atmosphere of the institute."
This coordinated resistance from two of Kolkata's most prestigious educational institutions highlights a broader concern among academic professionals about preserving university autonomy in financial and administrative matters.
Additional Concessions and Future Steps
The protests yielded additional positive outcomes for the teaching community. Partha Pratim Ray confirmed that the executive council also accepted a demand to hold elections for teachers' representatives in the council and other governing bodies. This democratic process is scheduled to commence by January 30, marking an important step toward greater faculty participation in university governance.
The teachers' primary demand centered on rejecting both the HRMS and DPPG systems to maintain what they described as the university's financial independence. They argued that centralized control over pension disbursement could undermine the institution's ability to manage its resources according to its unique needs and historical practices.
This unfolding situation in Kolkata's academic circles demonstrates how faculty mobilization can influence institutional policy decisions. The successful resistance against centralized pension systems at Jadavpur and Presidency Universities may set a precedent for other educational institutions grappling with similar governance challenges across India.
