Patiala:- Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University, Dr. Jagdeep Singh, has held the Punjab Government responsible for the shortage of funds in the university and has clearly refused to grant UGC pay scales to contract teachers in accordance with the orders of the High Court. On the other hand, the Punjabi University Contract Teachers Association (PUCTA) has questioned that if the university has funds available for fresh appointments, then why does it not have funds to grant contract teachers their legal right. These remarks were shared by the Association's delegation after today's meeting with the Vice Chancellor.
PUCTA President Dr. Taranjit Kaur stated that today a delegation of contract teachers met the Vice Chancellor and demanded that contract teachers be granted UGC pay scales in accordance with the orders of the High Court. However, the Vice Chancellor made it clear that the Punjab Government is not providing adequate grants to the university. Due to the non-availability of additional funds from the Government, the university is unable to increase salaries in accordance with the High Court orders. He also informed that the university is considering filing a Review Petition in the matter.
The Association questioned that when the High Court had earlier delivered a judgment in favour of Guest Teachers, the university implemented that judgment. Then why is a different attitude and discriminatory policy being adopted in the case of contract teachers?
PUCTA General Secretary Ramanpreet Singh said that, on one hand, the university is citing a shortage of funds, while on the other hand, the process of fresh recruitment is continuing. If the university has financial resources available for new appointments, then why is it refusing to grant contract teachers their legitimate right in accordance with the High Court judgment? This double standard and discrimination cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
The Association made it clear that if the university administration does not take concrete steps to implement the High Court judgment at the earliest, PUCTA will be compelled to intensify its struggle to secure its rights, and the entire responsibility for the same shall rest with the university administration.
PUCTA has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains to ensure the implementation of the Hon'ble High Court's judgment in favour of contract teachers at Punjabi University without any further delay, so that contract teachers may receive their legal and rightful entitlement. The Association stated that if the Punjab Government truly wants to translate its claims of educational reforms and an "Education Revolution" into reality, then delivering justice to contract teachers who have been serving for the last 15–20 years will be its greatest test.