Chandigarh's College Teachers Reach Breaking Point Over Unfulfilled Promises

There's a palpable tension simmering in Chandigarh's academic circles right now, and frankly, it's been building for a long, long time. College teachers, under the banner of the Panjab and Chandigarh College Teachers’ Association (PCCTA), are absolutely fed up. They've reached a breaking point, threatening to escalate their ongoing protests dramatically, all because of frustrating delays in receiving crucial UGC benefits.

Imagine working tirelessly, dedicating your life to education, only to find that promised financial and professional advancements are perpetually stuck in bureaucratic limbo. That's precisely the situation these educators face. They're primarily demanding the full implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, which, let's be honest, were approved for UGC employees way back in October 2017. It's truly baffling that here we are, years later, and the benefits still haven't fully reached them.

Beyond the pay commission, there’s also the equally vital issue of a revised promotion policy. Professional growth isn't just about money; it's about recognition, career progression, and maintaining morale. For teachers, who are the backbone of our higher education system, feeling overlooked on both these fronts is, understandably, incredibly demoralizing.

The PCCTA has tried everything, from peaceful demonstrations to holding dialogues. They've issued stern warnings, gone on protest leaves, and even organized rallies. Yet, despite repeated assurances from the Chandigarh Administration – you know, those promises that often sound good but don't quite materialize into action – the teachers feel consistently let down. It's like a broken record, really: "We're working on it," "It's with higher authorities," and then… more waiting.

Now, the patience has completely worn thin. The PCCTA has announced that if their demands aren't met promptly, their members will take mass casual leave on February 7. And if that doesn't stir things up enough, they're ready to launch an indefinite strike shortly thereafter. This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it means a complete suspension of teaching in government and aided colleges across the city. Think about the students, their academic year, their future – all hanging in the balance.

Professor AS Lamba, the general secretary of PCCTA, articulated the collective frustration perfectly. He pointed out that while the Punjab government, after some delay, finally implemented the 7th Pay Commission for its state-funded colleges in September 2022, Chandigarh’s teachers are still stuck. He mentioned the UT Administration's rather puzzling delay in even notifying the relevant regulations (UGC Regulations, 2018), which are crucial for resolving the promotion policy. It truly makes one wonder, doesn't it?

The teachers feel like they're being treated as second-class citizens, subjected to what they term "step-motherly treatment." They've given ample notice, provided deadlines, and yet, they continue to face a wall of inaction. Their resolve is firm: they simply won't back down until their long-pending dues and revised policies are properly implemented. It's not just about money; it's about dignity, fairness, and the respect they deserve for their invaluable contribution to society.

So, as the clock ticks towards February 7, all eyes are on the Chandigarh Administration. Will they finally act decisively to avert a full-blown academic crisis? Or will the teachers be forced to intensify their struggle, leading to even greater disruption? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: these educators aren't giving up without a fight.