Faculty members from the constituent colleges of Anna University staged a significant demonstration in Trichy on Wednesday, voicing their strong discontent against what they describe as persistent 'step-motherly treatment' by the university's administration. The protest was orchestrated by the Tamil Nadu Anna University Teachers' Association (TNAUTA).
Core Grievances Behind the Protest
The educators highlighted a series of unresolved issues that have been pending for years, causing widespread frustration. A central demand is the completion of the long-delayed absorption process for many faculty members. Furthermore, promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), which have been stalled since 2009, were a major point of contention.
Other critical demands presented during the protest include the release of pending increments for highly qualified teachers and ensuring that faculty in constituent colleges receive equal benefits and privileges on par with their counterparts at the main Chennai campus. The association argues that this disparity is a fundamental injustice.
List of Additional Demands
Beyond the primary grievances, TNAUTA put forward several other administrative and welfare-related demands to ensure fair treatment and transparency:
- Implementation of a regular rotation policy for Deans and Heads of Departments (HoDs).
- Proper verification of entries in service registers to maintain accurate records.
- Timely settlement of all retirement benefits for outgoing staff.
- Provision of educational and marriage advances to faculty members.
- Appointment of a syndicate nominee from TNAUTA to ensure fair representation in university decision-making bodies.
Implications and Call for Action
The organized protest in Trichy underscores a deepening rift between the teaching staff of the constituent colleges and the central university administration. By taking their demands to the public forum, the TNAUTA aims to pressure the authorities into initiating immediate dialogue and concrete action. The association has made it clear that the continued neglect of these issues affects not only faculty morale but also the overall academic environment and quality of education in these institutions.
The ball is now in the court of the Anna University administration. How it responds to these long-standing demands will be crucial in determining future relations with its teaching faculty across the state.
