Teachers at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, staged a one-day strike on Monday, suspending all academic activities in protest against the prolonged delay in faculty promotions under the career advancement scheme (CAS). The agitation was jointly led by associations representing the agriculture and veterinary faculty members at the university's main campus, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and research centres across Himachal Pradesh.
State-Wide Call for Action
The protest was held in response to a state-wide call by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) representing teachers of universities and government colleges. Faculty members accused the Himachal Pradesh government of deliberately stalling the CAS promotions for over three-and-a-half years despite repeated representations, meetings and memorandums.
Growing Frustration Among Teachers
They said the delay caused widespread frustration, with several teachers nearing retirement without receiving promotions under the UGC's time-bound career advancement scheme. Prof Janardan Singh, chairman of the JAC, said teachers continued to discharge academic, research and administrative responsibilities with dedication despite their demands being ignored. He termed CAS promotions a statutory right essential for encouraging academic and research excellence.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
Teacher associations warned that the agitation would be intensified if the government failed to take an early decision on the pending promotions. The strike highlights the growing discontent among academic staff across the state, who have been waiting for years for their rightful career advancements.
