In a significant development highlighting the ongoing tussle between teachers and the administration, over 125 aided college educators in Chandigarh were detained by police during a peaceful candlelight march. The protest, held in Sector 17, was organized to demand the long-pending implementation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and associated service benefits.
Teachers Detained at Fountain Chowk
The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers' Association (Cacta) had organized a candle march on Friday evening to press for their demands. Police intervened at Fountain Chowk, detaining the protesting teachers before later releasing them. The incident has escalated tensions, with Cacta stating that the Union Territory administration is unnecessarily delaying the implementation of crucial regulations.
Core Demands of the Protesting Educators
The teachers' demands are centered on benefits they believe are rightfully theirs under UGC norms. Their key grievances include:
- Implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions with effect from July 18, 2018.
- Release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and payment of 20% House Rent Allowance (HRA).
- Payment of full salary during the one-year probation period for new recruits.
- Enhancement of the retirement age as stipulated by UGC regulations.
Cacta Challenges UT Administration's Stance
In a strong statement issued on Saturday, a day after the detentions, Cacta clarified the financial and administrative structure of aided colleges. The association emphasized that these institutions receive a 95% grant-in-aid from the Central government, which is channeled through the UT administration. They categorically stated that there is no administrative or financial link with the Punjab government.
Therefore, Cacta has termed any attempt to delay the extension of UGC benefits by citing policies of the Punjab government as "unreasonable and legally untenable." The teachers' body reminded the administration of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 2023 announcement which confirmed Chandigarh's status as a Union Territory under the central government, implying that central policies should apply directly.
The protest underscores a growing frustration among teaching staff who feel denied their legitimate dues despite the central funding model of their institutions. The ball now lies in the court of the UT administration to address these persistent demands and resolve the standoff.
