Punjabi varsity teachers union demands regular VC
With merely a day left in Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) term, Punjabi University Teachers Association (PUTA) has written letters to the Governor and Chief Minister, requesting the immediate appointment of a full time VC for the university. The term of the current VC, Kamal Kishor Yadav, who is holding the position on a temporary basis, will end on October 25.
The VC had recently issued a ‘No Work, No Pay’ order aimed at curbing employee protests within the university. This move was intended to address disruptions caused by demonstrations over what the authorities considered ‘minor issues’.
The policy stated that any employee participating in the protests or work stoppages would not receive payment for the days they did not work.
The letter, a copy of which is with The Tribune, reads, “We believe that a permanent appointment is essential to ensure the smooth functioning and growth of the university.”
The term of the former VC Prof Arvind ended on April 25, earlier this year, following which the charge of was temporarily handed over to the Higher Education Secretary, KK Yadav, for a period of three month. Upon the completion of this period Yadav was given one more month and this extension is set to expire on October 25.
“While we appreciate the efforts made to maintain continuity in the university’s administration, it is evident that the current arraignment is not sustainable,” stated PUTA.
“This prolonged absence of a full-time VC had led to several challenges within the university. Certain self-proclaimed employee organisations are exploiting the administrative vacuum by making unreasonable and unacceptable demands. Additionally, the function of the existing university has become increasingly arbitrary, leading to dissatisfaction and disarray across the institution. There are numerous instances where decisions have been made without the necessary oversight and guidance that a full-time VC would provide,” stated the communiqué sent to the CM.
The PUTA further stated that the post of the VC was advertised in July 2024 and the last date of application was July 22. “We are now in October and it is imperative that a regular VC is appointed without further delay to ensure the university’s proper governance and to restore stability,” reads the communique issued by Bhupinder Singh Virk and Maninder Singh, president and secretary of PUTA, respectively.
