The Kurukshetra University Teachers’ Association (KUTA) has urged Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to convert the posts of teachers working on a regular basis under the Self-Finance Scheme (SFS) into budgeted posts. The association submitted a memorandum to the CM, also requesting addressing anomalies in the revised UGC regulations applicable to higher education institutions.
Details of the Demand
KUTA president Dr. Jitender Kumar and Kurukshetra University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (KUNTEA) president Rajwant Kaur met the CM and submitted the demands. Dr. Kumar stated that nearly 85 teachers and 250 non-teaching employees are currently serving on a regular basis under the Self-Finance Scheme in various departments and institutes of Kurukshetra University. These teachers were selected through the same prescribed qualifications and rigorous selection procedures as budgeted faculty members and have been contributing significantly to teaching, research, and academic development for nearly two decades.
Background of Self-Finance Scheme
The Self-Finance Scheme was introduced in 2005 to strengthen the financial position of the university and launch professional and employment-oriented courses. Presently, 13 out of 47 departments and institutes function under the SFS, catering to nearly 5,000 students. These programmes cover disciplines such as law, pharmacy, management, fine arts, engineering, mass communication, and media technology, playing a crucial role in enhancing employability and skill development in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Review Committee Recommendation
The KUTA president noted that the university review committee recommended in 2011 that all Self-Finance Scheme courses running successfully for more than five years should be converted into budgeted courses. The Higher Education Department had sought action-taken reports from universities, but the process was later halted. The association urged the government to implement this recommendation at the earliest.
Demand for Retirement Age Enhancement
The associations also demanded raising the retirement age of university and college teachers from 60 to 65 years, in accordance with the UGC Regulations, 2018. Dr. Kumar emphasized that higher education institutions face an acute shortage of qualified faculty, and the expertise of senior academicians should continue to benefit students, researchers, and institutions.
Promotion Options Under Previous Regulations
KUTA demanded that faculty members who have fulfilled or are likely to fulfill eligibility requirements for promotion under the earlier API/Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) should be given the option to be considered under previous regulations. Without such a provision, many teachers who have spent years achieving required academic credentials for promotion are adversely affected.
Confidence in Positive Decision
Rajwant Kaur expressed confidence that the CM would sympathetically consider these genuine demands and take appropriate steps to strengthen higher education and enhance academic excellence in Haryana.
