Hoshiarpur- Retired teachers of grant-in-aid colleges of Punjab, who have been struggling for their pension rights for decades, are now looking to the Supreme Court with hope. In the latest development, the country's highest court has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Punjab and asked him to submit a reply by the next hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025. This has revived hope among retired teachers, who have been waiting for their financial security for many years.
The demand for pension has been going on for a long time, but each time the governments have only given assurances, no concrete steps have been taken. Many retired professors left forever waiting to get their rights, but the rest are still fighting this battle.
Prof. R.M. Bhalla, who is retired from DAV College, Hoshiarpur and recently posted as Secretary, DAVCMC Hoshiarpur, expressed his grief and said:
"Our fight for pension has been going on for decades. We have made countless appeals, had talks with the government many times, but no major decision has come yet. Now the intervention of the Supreme Court is our last hope."
Prof. Sharanjit Saini, retired from DAV College of Education, Hoshiarpur and now posted as Joint Secretary, DAVCMC Hoshiarpur, said:
"The teachers who have dedicated their entire lives to educate the students are facing financial hardship today. The government should acknowledge our contribution and give us pension, which is our right."
Prof. C.V. Arora, retired from DAV College, Hoshiarpur and now a member of DAVCMC Hoshiarpur, also expressed his displeasure:
“It is a matter of great sorrow that despite repeated assurances from the government, no appropriate step has been taken yet. Now the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, which is a big step in the right direction.”
Prof. Dr. Gurvinder Kaur, retired Professor S.S. Gidha DAV College of Education, Hoshiarpur, also expressed her concern:
“Many of our colleagues passed away while waiting for their rights. The government has disappointed us time and again. Now we have faith only in the courts for justice.”
Prof. Jagdish Sharma, a retired professor from DAV College, Hoshiarpur, also stressed the importance of pension, saying:
“We spent a major part of our lives building the future of students. Now, in old age, we should get financial security. We hope the Supreme Court will give us justice.”
Punjab’s grant-in-aid college teachers have long been demanding pension at par with government employees, as they have also played their role in grooming students for years. Despite numerous appeals, the Punjab government is yet to implement any firm pension policy for them.
Now, as the Supreme Court has sought a response from the Punjab government in the matter, all hopes are pinned on the next hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025. The retired teachers and their institutions are hoping that the court will give them the justice they have been waiting for for decades.
The court's decision in this case could set a major precedent for teachers across the country, ensuring that those who have spent their lives teaching have financial security in retirement.