Himachal Pradesh University Teachers Protest Against Government Policies

Shimla, December 17, 2024: Teachers at Himachal Pradesh University, under the leadership of the Himachal Pradesh Teachers’ Welfare Association (HPUTWA), continued their protest for the seventh consecutive day, wearing black ribbons to express their opposition to the state government’s education policies. The protest highlights grievances regarding the promotion process and lack of progress on issues affecting faculty members.

HPUTWA has raised concerns over the university administration’s decision to initiate the promotion process based on the 2010 regulations instead of the 2018 regulations, which they believe should be adopted for promotions. The association has vowed to continue the protest until this demand is met.

Additionally, HPUTWA highlighted the poor housing conditions for teachers. Since 1997, no new residential buildings have been constructed for faculty members. The campus, despite having available space and funds under PM USHA, has only eight residential units for 208 associate professors. The association demands the construction of two new buildings to address this long-pending issue.

HPUTWA also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in payment of arrears as per the 2016 pay scale. The association warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will escalate their protest by organizing a one-day hunger strike.