Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 14: Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) lauded the initiative of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with regard to bringing the service conditions of the university teachers including age of superannuation at par with Central Universities as laid down by the University Grants Commission on Saturday.
“The Chief Minister has been receptive to the demands of the university faculty whenever brought to his notice and we hope earnest action in this regard”, the association functionaries said while submitting a memorandum to Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this afternoon.
Mr Rana assured the JUTA delegation that points raised in their memorandum will be taken up with the Chief Minister for earnest appropriate action.
The delegation, led by JUTA president Prof D S Jamwal, in its memorandum, inter allia, demanded the enhancement of superannuation age of faculty from 60 to 65 years, saying since they join service invariably after attaining the age of 30 years in pursuit of higher education, this measure assumes significance.
“Approximately, 30 per cent of the teaching positions remain vacant due to non-availibility of qualified candidates owing to higher qualification requirements for appointments and therefore the retirement age needs to be enhanced up to 65 years, which is extendable to 70 years, as per UGC and MHRD notifications”, the memorandum added.
The memorandum sought bridging of disparities between the faculty members of the central universities and the Jammu University. “There is no reason to deprive university teachers of the State with regard to the service conditions and other benefits recommended by the 6th Pay Commission”, it maintained.
The JUTA welcomed the enhancement in retirement age of the State Government employees, saying this was a long pending issue that has been finally agreed upon.
The delegation comprised of Prof D S Jamwal President JUTA, Dr Virender Kondal Sectetary, Prof BC Sharma, Prof Kulwant Singh, Prof Kuldeep Sharma, Prof JS Tara, Prof Narinder Tripathi, Prof Keshav Sharma, Prof Yashpal Sharma, Prof Avtar Jasrotia, Prof Prakash Chand, Prof Aroon Sharma, Prof Ashok Gupta, Prof SK Pande, Prof Muneer Alam and others.
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