Sudhanshu Sharma
Shimla
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing all university and college teachers across Himachal Pradesh, has strongly condemned the state government’s delay in implementing the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) under the 7th UGC Pay Commission.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) had notified the 7th Central Pay Scales on January 30, 2018, based on the Pay Revision Committee’s recommendations. These were subsequently adopted nationwide, with teachers in other states receiving salaries, arrears, and promotions under CAS. However, in Himachal Pradesh, despite government notifications dated May 1, 2022, and October 1, 2022, CAS promotions and incentive increments for higher qualifications remain stalled.
Due to this delay, no promotions have taken place in state universities and colleges since 2022, leaving many faculty members—some nearing retirement—deprived of their rightful career progression. JAC leaders highlighted that while employees in other government departments continue to receive timely promotions and benefits, higher education faculty alone face this discriminatory treatment.
“Teachers are being denied their legitimate rights. This deliberate neglect is damaging morale and directly affecting the quality of education in our institutions,” said Prof. Janardan Singh (President, JAC) and Prof. Nitin Vyas (General Secretary, JAC).
The committee accused the government of adopting an “anti-employee stance,” pointing to delays in DA release and arrears under the 7th Pay Commission. They warned that the government’s insensitivity is pushing teachers toward a larger statewide agitation.
JAC reminded the authorities that under CAS, Assistant Professors are promoted to Associate Professors, and Associate Professors to Professors—a routine process followed across India. Himachal Pradesh remains the only state where this system has been blocked.
Quoting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the committee emphasized: “The effectiveness and quality of education can only be ensured through motivated and satisfied teachers.”
The JAC has demanded immediate issuance of a separate notification to implement CAS and incentive increments for higher qualifications, failing which they vowed to intensify their movement
