JUTA, KUTA demand implementation of UGC Regulations

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 10: In a joint meeting of the office bearers of Teachers’ Associations of University of Kashmir and University of Jammu, held here today, various issues facing the teaching community of both the Universities were discussed.
The meet observed that despite being the major force behind elevating the image, integrity and recognition of these universities which are figuring well in the evaluation, ranking, and accreditation at the national level, the teachers of both the Universities are facing discrimination on various accounts.
The office bearers sought direct intervention of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who is Chancellor of both the universities, for the resolution of some of the major and long pending issues like Implementation of UGC Regulation 2018 in letter and spirit including the age of Superannuation to 65 years, Earned Leave accumulation up to 300 Days and secured promotions from the date of Eligibility.
The members took serious exception to the erroneous interpretations and violation of UGC Regulations and their selective application by the University Administration. It was highlighted that despite the Regulations of UGC, recommendations of Pay Review Committees (GoI), and resolution of Joint Committee of University of Jammu and University of Kashmir on 15-05-2010 and subsequent University Council resolutions, teachers are denied their due right with respect to the age of superannuation.
It was observed that there is no uniformity in the superannuation age across the universities in UT Jammu and Kashmir and the teachers of the oldest Universities are at the most disadvantaged position.
JUTA and KUTA also stressed that the university teachers must be provided with the Earned Leave accumulation benefit up to 300 days as per the Regulations. It was pointed out that even though the UGC Regulations mandate for the Universities to complete the process of promotion under CAS within six months, the deliberate delay by the University authorities is agonizingly frustrating.
The Associations stressed that the promotion of teachers under CAS must be strictly given with effect from the date of eligibility without taking any deviation from the UGC Regulations. The UGC Regulations (2018), which have made the promotions all the more easy by extending many relaxations to the teachers in terms of date of application as well as the Refreshers/Orientation courses, have also been grossly misinterpreted, they said.
The meeting was attended by Prof Pankaj Srivastava, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Chanchoo, presidents of JUTA and KUTA, respectively; Dr Manoj Bhat, Dr Sajjad M Khan, Dr Javid Ahmad, Dr Ravinder Singh, Dr Yudhbeer Singh, Dr Tariq Abdulah and Dr Sushanta Panda.