Technical University teachers mark Teachers' Day with protest, demand 6th Pay Scale Implementation
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, September 5, 2024: On a day traditionally celebrated to honour educators, Technical University teachers across Punjab turned Teachers’ Day into a protest, observing it as a Black Day to voice their frustration over the non-implementation of the 6th pay scale.
Despite promises from the Punjab Government and public assurances from the Chief Minister, 294 teaching staff from five technical institutes are still waiting for their pay revisions, almost two years after the official notification by the other departments.
Dr Kulbuhushan Agnihotri, President, Engineering College Teachers Association of Ferozepur said, the faculty members from five technical institutes in Punjab are urging the state government to address a long-standing issue regarding the implementation of the 6th pay scale for university and college teachers. Despite the Punjab Government's notification on September 28, 2022, in line with the University Grants Commission's recommendations, teachers at these institutes have not yet seen their pay scales revised.
Dr. Agnihotri highlighted that these 294 educators are the only university teachers in Punjab, and perhaps in India, who have not received the revised pay scales. The faculty members are urgently calling on the government to rectify this oversight, emphasizing that timely pay revisions are crucial not only for their financial well-being but also for maintaining the quality of education in the state.
As the protest gains momentum, the teachers hope their unified stand on Teachers’ Day will prompt immediate action from the authorities to finally implement the promised 6th pay scale, honouring both their dedication and their rights as educators.