Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 11: The Jammu and Kashmir College Teachers Association (JKCTA), under the leadership of its President, Dr Rakesh Jasrotia, met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to express concern over unresolved issues affecting the career progression of college teachers across the Union Territory.
The association highlighted the persistent delays in career advancement involving placements and the disbursement of salary arrears, which have caused significant demoralization and resentment among faculty members. It also vehemently demanded for incorporation of provision of promotion to the post of Professor under Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) as per UGC Regulations-2018 to end the long stagnation that college teachers are facing after their placement as Associate Professor.
Dr Jasrotia also highlighted the discrimination with the college teachers vis-à-vis university teachers in the implementation of the recommendation of the high powered committee under the chairmanship of the former Advisor(B) for the age enhancement for college teachers from existing 60 years to 62 years and subsequently to 65 years and demanded that the same be implemented without any further delay keeping in view the UGC Regulations-2018 as majority college teachers enter into their service in their thirties.
Dr Rakesh Jasrotia also brought attention to the prolonged delay in granting permissions for faculty members to pursue part-time PhDs affecting their academic growth and professional advancement. Another pressing concern was the non-restoration of advanced increments for higher qualifications like MPhil and PhD.
The association urged the Government to adopt UGC Regulations 2018 without further delay noting that the lack of clarity in service conditions has hindered career progression. The matter of full time PhD and Study Leave for full time as well part time PhD was also taken up for the hassle free quality research in colleges as per NEP-2020.
Dr Rakesh Jasrotia demanded that the remaining part of select list of Principals by JKPSC be operated as per the order of Central Administrative Tribunal. He conveyed disappointment over the apathy to address these routine yet critical matters and called for immediate intervention from the Chief Minister to resolve these long-standing issues.
The other members of delegation included Prof Amit Kumar Sharma, Prof Qayoom Chauhan, Dr Jaleel Ahsan, Prof Shapia Shameem and Prof Iqbal Malik.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
