Sudhanshu Sharma
Shimla
On the occasion of Himachal Pradesh University’s 57th Foundation Day, the Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association (HPPUTWA) and the Himachal Government College Teachers’ Association (HGCTA) extended heartfelt greetings to all teachers, students, researchers, staff, and alumni. The associations expressed confidence that the university will continue to achieve new milestones in higher education, research, innovation, and social responsibility, further strengthening its national reputation.
In a joint statement, HPPUTWA President Dr. Nitin Vyas, General Secretary Dr. Ankush Bhardwaj, HGCTA Vice President Dr. Nikhil Sarta, and General Secretary Dr. Sanjay Kangon emphasized that Himachal Pradesh University is not merely an academic institution but a hub of intellectual, cultural, and social consciousness. Over the past 57 years, the university has nurtured thousands of students who have gone on to serve with distinction in administration, judiciary, education, science, politics, literature, tourism, industry, and various national and international organizations.
The leaders highlighted the special significance of this year’s celebration, as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Thakur, himself an alumnus of HPU, will inaugurate the event as the chief guest. They noted that it is a matter of pride and inspiration for the university community that a former student now leads the state as its Chief Minister.
While celebrating the university’s legacy, the associations also drew attention to pressing issues in higher education. They urged the Chief Minister to announce the restoration of long-pending promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for university and government college teachers. They stressed that CAS is not merely about salary increments but recognition of academic contributions, research, publications, innovation, mentorship, and institutional development. The delay in promotions, they said, has adversely affected teachers’ morale, academic progress, and even the state’s competitiveness in national rankings.
The statement pointed out that while most states follow University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and conduct CAS promotions regularly, Himachal Pradesh has stalled the process due to government notifications, leaving thousands of eligible teachers waiting. This, they warned, impacts the overall quality and competitiveness of the state’s higher education system.
The associations appealed to the Chief Minister to make a historic announcement on this Foundation Day by restoring CAS promotions, which would not only deliver justice to thousands of teachers but also infuse new energy into the higher education sector. They emphasized that teachers have always prioritized students’ interests, even in challenging circumstances, and continue to play a vital role in implementing the National Education Policy, advancing research, and fostering innovation.
Concluding their message, both associations once again extended warm wishes on HPU’s Foundation Day, expressing hope for the university’s continued progress, academic excellence, and the bright future of its students.
