Delay in Court Order Leaves 1,000 Contractual Lecturers Waiting
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Shimla: In a major development, contractual lecturers have called on the state government to swiftly implement a court ruling that awards them seniority and financial benefits. The case, filed by Pramila Devi (Case No. 10792), was won in 2023, yet no action has been taken by the Directorate of Higher Education to enforce the decision. Similarly, another case, Pradeep Kumar vs. State, was decided in April 2024, with the ruling made on the same grounds. Despite the notifications to the department, there has been no movement on the matter.
The delay in implementing the court orders has left the teachers—who were appointed in 2010 on a contractual basis—frustrated. As per the ruling, these teachers are entitled to receive benefits retroactive to their first appointment, including both seniority and financial remuneration. This affects approximately 1,000 lecturers who are currently in service, and their growing impatience is evident.
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“There’s widespread disappointment among us due to the government’s inaction,” said one lecturer, expressing the collective sentiment. While teachers who were appointed as Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) in 2008 and 2010 have already received the benefits following a similar court ruling, lecturers are questioning why their case has been left unresolved. Around 4,400 TGT teachers benefitted from the decision, as did professors appointed to colleges in 2009, who received both seniority and financial compensation.
Several lecturers, including Pradeep Kumar, Vishwas, Ravi, Balwinder, Dayaram, and Prakash Chand, stated that if the government does not act soon, they may be forced to take further steps. They urged the administration to implement the court’s decision promptly to avoid further unrest.
When contacted, officials from the Higher Education Department’s Plus Two branch stated that the file regarding the lecturers’ case was sent to the Education Secretary two weeks ago for final approval, and they expect a resolution soon.
Speaking over the phone, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar said that he was not yet aware of the case but assured that once it reaches him, appropriate action will be taken. Efforts to reach Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, teachers remain hopeful that justice will be served and their rightful benefits granted without further delay.
