UGC Draft Notification : Unhappy teachers went for strike.

UGC Draft Notification : Unhappy teachers went for strike.
On the call given by Federation of central university teachers' association (FEDCUTA), the two-day strike by teachers of Allahabad University and its constituent colleges started on Thursday. Though teachers abstained from classes, the practical examinations which are presently underway were held as per the schedule.

The call for the two-day strike was given in view of the draft regulation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding the new pay scale of Central university teachers. As per the UGC proposals, the promotions will henceforth be based on the points which will be accrued by a teacher on the basis of published papers, books, participation in seminars and other similar academic activities.

Besides, the main point of contention is the requirement of existing readers facing another selection committee for being promoted to associate professorship. This is in contradiction with the official communique issued by the human resource development ministry which mentioned that all existing readers be placed in the new scale of associated professor without facing any selection committee, explained Dr SI Rizvi, reader in department of biochemistry, AU.

Meanwhile, the teachers of AU and its constituent colleges stayed away from teaching on Thursday. The members of AUCCTA held a meeting at the Sanskrit department and criticised the UGC for tempering with the notification of HRD ministry, dated December 31, 2008. The meeting also appealed to the AU vice-chancellor to initiate positive action on the long pending issues pertaining to teachers of not only AU but also of the constituent colleges.

Similarly, the members of the Allahabad University Teachers Association discussed the draft UGC notification of revision of pay scales, minimum qualifications for appointment of teachers in universities and colleges. They expressed deep anguish over the anomalies in the draft notification. But, the standing committee of AUTA said that in view of the approaching examinations students should not be made to suffer.

Some teachers of the science faculty, however, continued with their work and supervised practical examinations in the labs.