Jitender Khatkar, president of the Kurukshetra University Teachers' Association (KUTA), was unanimously elected president of the Haryana Federation of University and College Teachers' Organisation (HFUCTO) on Sunday. The election took place during a meeting of the HFUCTO held at the KUTA office in Kurukshetra University, chaired by All India FUCTO vice-president Narender Singh. Representatives from various teachers' associations across universities and colleges in Haryana participated in the meeting.
Unanimous Election and Gratitude
HFUCTO general secretary Dayanand Malik announced that Dr Jitender Khatkar was unanimously elected as the head of the organisation to effectively pursue issues concerning teachers and higher education institutions in the state. In his acceptance speech, Khatkar expressed gratitude to the members for their trust and assured them that he would work diligently for the welfare of university and college teachers and for strengthening the quality of higher education in Haryana.
Key Issues Discussed
The meeting deliberated on several pressing issues related to higher education and adopted a number of resolutions. One of the major topics was the suspension of Dr Vikas Siwach of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak. The federation resolved to send a delegation to meet the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of MDU to seek revocation of the suspension.
Other significant demands included:
- Strict implementation of University Acts and Statutes in all state universities, particularly in Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (GJUST), Hisar, and Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal.
- Enhancement of retirement age for university and college teachers to 65 years, in line with UGC recommendations.
- Conversion of regular teachers under the Self-Finance Scheme (SFS) into budgeted posts.
- Restoration of transparent admission processes in government and government-aided colleges.
- Implementation of pending Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions as per the UGC Gazette Notification dated December 31, 2024.
- Implementation of workload norms as per the Haryana Government Notification dated November 11, 2022.
- Exemption from compulsory rural service for government college teachers.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) for teachers of aided colleges as per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.
- Increase in casual leave for female teachers from 20 to 25 days.
- Increase in gratuity ceiling from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for retired aided college teachers.
- Extension of gratuity benefits to teachers retiring under the National Pension System (NPS).
- Provision of cashless medical facilities for university and college teachers.
Future Plans
Khatkar stated that a delegation of the federation would soon meet the Haryana Chief Minister, Governor, Education Minister, and other relevant authorities to press for the resolution of these long-pending demands. Among those present at the meeting were HGCTA president Prof Rajesh, HCTA president Dr Rajendra Singh, GJUTA president Vinod Goyal, IGU president Prof Savita Sheoran, JUFA general secretary Dr Sunil Kumar, Dr Jitender Kumar (CRSU), Dr Krishan Kumar (DCRUTA), Dr Parvesh Kumar (SUPVA), NTWA president Dr Rahul Kumar, KUTA secretary Dr Surendra Kumar, Prof Parmesh Kumar, Prof Deepak Babbar, and other representatives of various teachers' organisations from across the state.
