Teachers union protests, submits memo to DC

The Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) held a rally at the district level. The protest was organised by the Amritsar District Council. The demonstration was in response to the state government’s alleged indifferent attitude towards the long-standing demands of teachers working in private aided colleges across Punjab.

A number of teachers from various colleges in the district, including DAV College, BBK DAV College, Khalsa College, Khalsa College for Women, Khalsa College of Education, Hindu College, SN College, DAV College of Education and SDSPM College, Rayya, participated. The protest featured several speakers, including unit presidents of all participating colleges. Dr BB Yadav, district president of PCCTU, condemned the government for ignoring teachers’ demands.

Dr Seema Jaitly, president of PCCTU, addressed the rally, urging the Chief Minister of Punjab to intervene promptly to resolve the impasse. She warned that if the government failed to act, the PCCTU would be compelled to escalate its agitation in the coming days.

Dr Gurdas Singh Sekhon, PCCTU general secretary, elaborated on the key demands of teachers, including the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations and the release of enhanced grants. He criticised the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the delay, noting that files regarding the fixation of the Seventh Pay Commission have been pending since 2023. Lack of action on the part of Director, Higher Education, Secretary, Higher Education and the Minister for Higher Education despite the notification being issued two years ago also came in for criticism.

Other critical issues discussed by Dr Sekhon included regularisation of monthly grants, coverage of all posts under 95 per cent grant-in-aid, enhancement of grants from 75 per cent to 95 per cent for 1,925 posts, relaxation in refresher courses as per UGC guidelines, creation of the post of Professor in aided colleges, implementation of pension and gratuity schemes, provision of childcare leave for college teachers and restoration of retirement age to 60 years for principals.

Following the rally, a memorandum was submitted at the DC’s office in Amritsar, addressed to the Chief Minister of Punjab, outlining the demands of teachers.