The Punjab Agricultural University Teachers Association (PAUTA) organized a sit-in protest on Monday at Thapar Hall on the campus, demanding resolution of long-pending issues affecting teachers. The demonstration saw participation from teachers of various state universities, along with members of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) and government college teachers under the Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (PFUCTO), who expressed solidarity with PAUTA’s demands.
Key Demands Raised by PAUTA
The protesters put forward several key demands, including the grant of 60 per cent dearness allowance (DA) and the release of arrears under the 7th Pay Commission with effect from January 1, 2016. They also called for the resolution of basic pay anomalies, specifically the fixation of pay at Rs 57,700 during probation, and the restoration of full pay benefits.
Another major demand was the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on the pattern applicable prior to January 1, 2004. The teachers also sought an enhancement of the employer’s contribution under the National Pension System (NPS) from 10 per cent to 14 per cent, as well as the implementation of leave travel concession (LTC) for PAU employees.
Solidarity from Other Teacher Unions
PAUTA president Harmeet Singh Kingra stated that university and college teachers have been facing issues related to pay, pension, and service benefits for years. PCCTU president Vinay Sofat urged the state government to take immediate and positive steps to address these concerns in the interest of the higher education sector and its employees.
The protesters resolved to continue their struggle until their “legitimate demands” were fulfilled.
