Sudhanshu Sharma
Shimla
The Himachal Teachers’ Welfare Association has expressed deep concern over the long-pending dues and facilities owed to university teachers, urging the state government and university administration to take immediate action.
Association leaders stated that the arrears of CAS and UGC pay scale 2016 are the statutory right of teachers, and the prolonged delay in payment is highly unfortunate. They warned that this has created frustration and dissatisfaction among the teaching community.
General Secretary Dr. Ankush Bhardwaj highlighted the rising inflation and said that withholding the 13% Dearness Allowance (DA) has placed teachers in a difficult financial situation. He urged the government to release the pending DA without further delay.
Vice President Dr. Yograj emphasized the urgent need for residential facilities for teachers, pointing out that the current housing arrangements are inadequate. He demanded the construction of two new residential buildings within the university campus to ensure better living and working conditions.
Joint Secretary Dr. Anjali stressed that the teachers are only asking for their rightful and lawful entitlements. She noted that teachers have always been dedicated to the development of higher education in the state, and the government must safeguard their interests through positive measures.
The association leaders cautioned that if the demands are not met soon, they may consider launching a phased statewide agitation. They clarified that the objective is not confrontation but resolution through dialogue and constructive steps. However, continued neglect of teachers’ rights could force them into organized struggle.
The association appealed to the state government and university administration to take swift and favorable decisions on these issues to strengthen the academic environment in the universities.
