Himachal University Teachers Protest with Black Badges, Demand Pay Scale Implementation and Promotions

Shimla: On December 10, 2024, under the banner of HPUTWA (Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association), teachers of Himachal Pradesh University staged a protest by wearing black badges to voice their demands. The protest, held outside the Vice Chancellor’s office, focused on issues like the implementation of the 2016 UGC pay scale, CAS promotions, PhD increments, house allotments, and the construction of new residential buildings for teachers.

Approximately 150 teachers participated in the protest, which began at 12:30 PM. Professor A.K. Singh criticized the government for refusing to release DA installments and arrears under the guise of a financial crunch while encouraging unnecessary expenditure. Professor Surendra expressed anger over the suspension of promotions for university and college teachers, calling it an anti-teacher policy.

Professor Shiv Kumar Dogra demanded the release of PhD increments and warned that teacher-hostile decisions would not be tolerated. HPUTWA President Dr. Nitin Vyas and General Secretary Ankush Bhardwaj announced plans for a larger statewide protest if the demands remain unmet. They also highlighted the intention to meet the Chancellor (Governor) to apprise him of the university’s situation.

This protest reflects growing dissatisfaction among university teachers over the government’s indifferent attitude toward their rights and welfare.