In a significant development aimed at resolving a long-standing service benefits dispute, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig has formally intervened. She has written to the Chandigarh Union Territory administration, urging it to expedite the clearance of pending Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions for teachers in aided colleges. The directive insists that these promotions be processed strictly in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations of 2018, and be applied retrospectively from July 18, 2018.
VC's Direct Communication to UT Authorities
In separate letters addressed to the Finance Secretary and the Education Secretary of the Chandigarh administration on December 18, the Vice-Chancellor laid out a clear and firm position. Professor Vig highlighted that Panjab University has already adopted the UGC Regulations 2018 in full. She emphasized that all colleges affiliated with the university are legally bound to follow these regulations for critical service matters. This includes appointments, promotions, pay fixation, and other related benefits for their teaching staff.
The VC pointed out a critical inconsistency in the current implementation. While the revised pay scales as per UGC 2018 have already been put into effect for teachers in Chandigarh, the corresponding CAS promotion cases linked to these scales remain stuck. This delay, she noted, is not just an administrative bottleneck but is causing genuine financial hardship and administrative complications for the affected educators.
Teachers' Association Welcomes the Move
The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers' Association (CACTA) has welcomed Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig's proactive step. The association views this intervention as a powerful endorsement of their longstanding demands. According to CACTA, the VC's letter effectively removes any ambiguity regarding the applicability of the UGC regulations to aided colleges in the region.
The association stated that this communication strengthens their stance that UGC norms are mandatory and binding for all institutions. They argue that these regulations cannot be applied selectively—implementing pay scales but withholding the accompanying promotions. Reiterating its core demand, CACTA continues to press for the clearance of all pending CAS promotions with effect from the stipulated date of July 2018.
Broader Implications and Awaiting Action
This development brings the ongoing dispute over the implementation of UGC regulations for aided college teachers in Chandigarh to a crucial juncture. The direct involvement of the university's top authority adds considerable weight to the teachers' cause. It places the onus squarely on the UT administration's finance and education departments to act and resolve the pending cases.
The ball is now in the court of the Chandigarh administration. Teachers and the university leadership are now awaiting a concrete response and administrative action to translate the regulatory mandate into delivered service benefits, ending the prolonged wait for the teaching community.
