A delegation of the Haryana Universities Contractual Teachers Association (HUCTA) met Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda on Thursday, urging the state government to introduce and enact a job security bill for contractual teachers working in universities. The minister assured the delegation that the government is seriously considering measures to provide job security and is examining legal aspects related to regularization.
Meeting During Janta Darbar
The meeting took place during the weekly Janta Darbar organized at the BJP’s district office ‘Shyam Kamal’ in Panipat. The delegation also sought an appointment for a detailed discussion on the issue. They demanded that contractual university teachers be regularized on the lines of guest teachers in schools, in accordance with a judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Minister’s Assurance
Assuring the delegation, Dhanda said the state government is sensitive to the concerns of contractual employees and teachers and would take positive steps to secure their future. He added that the government is seeking necessary legal opinion on the matter. The minister urged the teachers to maintain their faith in the government.
Demands of HUCTA
Dr Vijay Malik, state president of HUCTA, said around 1,400 contractual assistant professors have been serving in Haryana universities for several years. He demanded that the government immediately introduce the “Haryana University Contractual Teachers Service Security (Job Security) Bill” and enact it into law. This would provide contractual teachers legal protection and service security similar to extension lecturers in government colleges, guest teachers in polytechnics and schools, and other contractual employees.
Dr Malik further said contractual university teachers have been continuously struggling for employment security for the past two years. He added that a Job Security Act would provide them mental and financial stability, enabling them to perform their academic responsibilities with greater dedication and commitment.
Delegation Members
Other members of the delegation included Dr Suman Ranga, Dr Amit Malik, Dr Sohan Lal, Dr Praveen Kumar, Dr Nidhi Yadav, Dr Anju Devi, Dr Poonam, and several other contractual teachers.
