Tuesday, December 23, 2008

UGC Pay : Notification likely in this week

The Centre has rejected a proposal to create an elite faculty post of professor of eminence in universities, mooted by a UGC panel as incentive to retain the country’s best teachers in Indian academics.
The government has also decided to snip the basic salary suggested by the UGC pay panel for vice-chancellors, under steps to balance promised salary hikes with “economic restraint”.
Officials termed the decisions a fallout of the economic crisis, coupled with the government’s greater focus on luring fresh talent into academics rather than pandering to the demands of senior faculty.
The Union cabinet last week approved the new pay regime, but details are being kept under wraps. Teachers’ unions that have been striking work against a delay in implementation of the panel’s recommendations called off their protests, but have urged the government to notify the new regime.
Sources said human resource development ministry officials met over the weekend to finalise details for an official notification of the new pay, expected to be published this week. Former Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor G.K. Chadha headed the UGC pay review panel.
In its recommendations, the panel suggested that the new post could be offered to the best 10 per cent of professors, based on their performance in class and in research. A university panel would have selected the elite faculty.
“The idea behind the post was to create a rung higher than that of professors for the best to aspire to. At present, professors stagnate and have no incentive to improve further,” a member of the Chadha panel said.
Unable to grow professionally, the best faculty often quit Indian academics in favour of either jobs in foreign universities or corporate jobs with better pay, the review committee member said.
The panel had recommended a basic monthly pay of Rs 80,000 to professors of eminence, more than twice the starting basic pay of Rs 37,400 at the professor grade it had proposed. The basic pay of professors can be raised up to Rs 67,000 a month, it said.
But the government rejected the proposal. “We already have schemes with similar aims to retain the best faculty. It is felt that a new post is unnecessary,” an official said.
The HRD ministry has a “faculty recharge scheme”. But the scheme is centrally controlled and, therefore, is limited in its scope and reach, the Chadha panel member said.
The review panel had suggested a Rs 80,000 basic pay for vice-chancellors but, at the insistence of the finance ministry, this has been reduced to Rs 75,000 a month. A special grant of Rs 5,000 will be provided to vice-chancellors in addition to the basic pay, sources said.
But the dearness allowance will be calculated only on the Rs 75,000 basic pay, effectively reducing the take-home salary.
Source : The Telegraph.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Associate Professor for Colleges

The para (ix) of the Press Release mentions that " those who are presently working as Lecturer(Selection Grade) or Reader shall continue to be so designated till they are selected for the post of Associate Professor." Further it goes like this-
"The Associate Professors have been placed in the Pay Band of Rs. 37,400-67,000 with Grade Pay of Rs. 9,000. While, under the existing scheme, teachers without Ph.D. could rise up to the post of Lecturer (Selection Grade), they can now go up to the level of Associate Professor, based on the prescribed selection process"
Many of our friends in colleges have raised alarm over the word " prescribed selection process". Chaddha committee has prescribed process for selection of Associate Professors.
Although, detailed guideline is expected to be laid down by UGC in respect of selection process and composition of selection committee, the PRC has reviewed these aspect and made few suggestions in respect of CAS. PRC recommended that:
"Since opportunities for research work in most colleges are practically non-existent and teachers have heavy classroom teaching workload, it is recommended that for college teachers , greater emphasis may be laid on actual classroom teaching, holding tutorials, conducting examinations and evaluating answer scripts and lesser emphasis on research work while considering them for promotion under CAS."
It shows now clearly that any reader/lecturer (SG) who completes three years of service in the pay scale of 12000-18300 on or after 1.1.2006 cannot be denied PB4, . So, whoever has completed 3 years of service as reader/lecturer (SG) shall become Assoc. Prof. and shall be placed i PB4 with AGP of 9000.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Revision of Pay-Scales of Teacher under the Purview of the university Grants CommissionSTATEMENT BY MOS (HRD) IN THE LOK SABHA

19:18 IST
Following is the text of the statement made by Smt. D. Purandeswari, Minister of State in the Ministry of Human Resource Development, regarding Revision of Pay Scales of Teachers in Universities and Colleges, in Lok Sabha today : “Sir, this august House has expressed its concern, from time to time, for the need to strengthen the quality of higher education in the country. One of the critical factors affecting the quality of universities and institutions imparting higher education, is our inability to attract and retain young and talented persons to the teaching profession, leading over a period of time to shortage of teachers in central as well as state universities and other higher educational institutions. It is estimated that in Central Universities and constituent colleges thereof, approximately twenty-five percent of posts of teachers are lying vacant. Vacancies in teaching posts in State level institutions are known to be even higher. As a sequel to the 6th Central Pay Commission, the University Grants Commission (UGC) had constituted a Pay Review Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. G.K.Chadha, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister on 6th September, 2007 for recommending, among other things, the ways and means of attracting and retaining talented persons in the teaching profession and furtherance of research in the University system. The Committee submitted its report to the University Grants Commission on 3rd October, 2008 and the UGC furnished its recommendations on 10th October, 2008. An Empowered Committee was constituted on 10th October, 2008 and based on its recommendations, the proposals formulated by the Ministry were considered by a Committee of Secretaries in its meeting held on 5th December, 2008. I am happy to inform the House that Ministry’s proposals have since been approved by the Cabinet on 15th December, 2008. I also take this opportunity to share the important features of the revised pay scales and service conditions for teachers in Universities and Colleges as approved by the Government: (i) There shall be only three designations in respect of teachers in universities and colleges, namely, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors. (ii) No one shall be eligible to be appointed, promoted or designated as Professor, unless he or she possesses a Ph.D. and satisfies other academic conditions, as laid down by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This shall, however, not affect those who are already designated as ‘Professor’. (iii) In place of “Grade Pay” as applicable to Central Government employees, the term “Academic Grade Pay” (AGP) shall be used for the teachers and equivalent positions. Different Grade Pays of Rs. 6000, Rs.7000, Rs. 8000, Rs.9000, Rs.10000 and Rs.12000 have been approved as AGP for teachers and equivalent positions. (iv) Higher Academic Grade Pay of Rs. 6000 has been recommended for all Assistant Professors at the entry level so as to make it more attractive compared to the entry level Grade Pay for the Civil Services and other professionals under the 6th Central Pay Commission. (v) Five non-compoundable advance increments shall be given (as against 4 at present) at entry as Assistant Professor for the degree of Ph.D. obtained in the relevant discipline and if the same is from a university complying with the process prescribed by the UGC in respect of enrolment, course-work and evaluation of the degree of Ph.D. At entry level, teachers possessing M.Phil or post graduate degrees such as M.Tech/LL.M etc., in the relevant professional courses as approved by the relevant statutory councils shall be given 2 non-compounded advance increments. Those who acquire these degrees in the relevant discipline while being in service shall be allowed three non-compounded advance increments for Ph.Ds and one increment for M.Phil or post graduate degree acquired in the relevant professional course such as M.Tech/ LL.M. etc. (vi) For the first time ever, posts of Professors shall be introduced in both under-graduate and post-graduate colleges. The number of posts of Professors in UG Colleges shall be 10 percent of the number of posts of Associate Professors. There shall be as many posts of Professors in PG Colleges as the number of Departments. (vii) 10% of the posts of Professors in universities shall be in higher Academic Grade Pay of Rs. 12000 with prescribed eligibility conditions. (viii) NET shall be compulsory for appointment at the entry level of Assistant Professor, subject to the exemptions to Ph.Ds in respect of those persons obtaining the award through a registration, course-work and evaluation process, as have been/ or may be laid down by the UGC through its regulations, and so adopted by the University. NET shall not be required for such Masters’ programmes for which NET is not available. (ix) Those who are presently working as Lecturer (Selection Grade) or Reader shall continue to be so designated till they are selected for the post of Associate Professor. (x) Parity between teachers and the Librarians/Directors of Physical Education shall be maintained, except for the age of superannuation, which for Librarians/Physical Education personnel shall continue to be 62 years. (xi) Though the posts of Registrars, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, Deputy Registrars and their equivalent posts were not within the purview of the Pay Review Committee of UGC, their pay scales have also been decided by the Cabinet. (xii) According to the past practice, financial assistance will be provided by the Central Government to the State Governments which may opt for these revised pay scales, to the extent of 80% of the additional expenditure involved in the implementation of the revision for the duration from 1.1.2006 to 31.3.2010, subject to the condition that the entire pay revision/ pay scales package scheme, together with all the conditions laid down in this regard by the UGC by way of Regulations, and other reform measures are implemented by the State Governments as a composite scheme. However, the State Governments shall be free to implement revised scales of pay from a date later than 1.1.2006 and also to prescribe higher scales of pay, depending on their local conditions. However, the Central Assistance shall be limited to the UGC scales of pay and only for the period ending on 31.3.2010. (xiii) While the revision of pay will take effect from 1.1.2006, the allowances (except DA) and advance increments etc. shall take effect from 1.9.2008. (xiv) All prescribed requirements of Selection other than those mentioned above shall continue to be applicable. Under the revised Scheme, Assistant Professors have been placed in the Pay Band of Rs. 15600-39100 entering at the AGP of Rs. 6000. A teacher with a Ph.D.degree can move from the post of Assistant Professor to Associate Professor after completion of 12 years of service as Assistant Professor, spending 4 years at the AGP of Rs. 6000, 5 years at the AGP of Rs. 7000 and 3 years at the AGP of Rs. 8000. Teachers with M.Phil and those with a post graduate degree in a professional course entering as Assistant Professors can become Associate Professor after 13 years of service. Those with neither Ph.D. nor M.Phil. etc. shall qualify to become Associate Professor after 14 years of service as Assistant Professor. The Associate Professors have been placed in the Pay Band of Rs. 37,400-67,000 with Grade Pay of Rs. 9,000. While, under the existing scheme, teachers without Ph.D. could rise up to the post of Lecturer (Selection Grade), they can now go up to the level of Associate Professor, based on the prescribed selection process. As against a period of 17 years for a teacher possessing Ph.D. at the entry level to be eligible to become Professor through selection, the present decision of the Government would enable them to be selected as Professor after 15 years. A teacher with 10 years as Professor would be eligible to be considered against 10 percent of the posts in the higher Academic Grade Pay of Rs. 12000. Sir, we have begun a process of restoring the dignity and pride in being associated with the teaching profession. This decision to improve pay and other emoluments and to provide more attractive service conditions to the teachers is only one of the several steps required to attain the broader objective of improving the quality of higher education. This august House would, I hope, agree that this is a significant step towards that goal. I place on record my gratitude for permitting me to make this statement amidst important business before the House.”

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Letter to P.M. from AIFUCTO

To 13.12.2008
Dr. Manmohan Singhji Camp: New Delhi Hon’ble Prime Minister of India New Delhi
Hon'ble Pradhan Mantri Ji, Greetings from the AIFUCTO, the Federation of organizations of university and college teachers of India. The AIFUCTO has been steadfastly working, with a great degree of commitment to uphold and strengthen national integration, a pluralistic India and quality higher education. I am now forced to submit to you that lakhs of university and college teachers of India, who have been anxiously awaiting the implementation of Revised Pay Scales for them, are deeply perturbed over the inordinate delay in this regard. Hon'ble Sir, you are aware that every other section of the employees- including Central Government employees following VI Pay Commission Report. Hon'ble Judges and the staff of all levels of Judiciary, public sector employees and others have already been given revised scales of pay, whereas in the case of implementing the Chadha Committee Report there is long delay and dithering. You are further aware Sir, that the revision of scales for college and university teachers involves two stages of implementation, with states taking their own time to execute the Central Govt. Orders.
I write to convey that 5 lakh college and university teachers all across our country are anxiously expecting your kind personal intervention leading to a very expeditious decision resulting in a fair, uniform and mandatory implementation all over India. We remember your kind intervention during our last Dharna Program in New Delhi leading to the solution.
As General Secretary of AIFUCTO I submit our deep expectations.
Yours truly,
Asok Barman General Secretary-AIFUCTOE-mail:aifucto@rediffmail.com

AIFUCTO in action

Dated: 12.12.2008
The General Secretary, AIFUCTO has been camping in New Delhi for the past few days and has been intensively pursuing issues relating to implementation of revised UGC scales. He has been expressing the deep concerns of lakhs of college and university teachers all across India who demand the early and just implementation of the revised pay scales. The Gen.Secy. has been repeatedly pressing with the UGC, MHRD officials and the political leadership that the legitimate aspirations of the teachers should be fully reflected in the orders. The AIFUCTO has been lobbying with the MPs belonging to different political parties and they have been of substantial help in putting across the genuine aspirations of the teachers. The AIFUCTO has been striving to see that the expected order renders full justice to the servicesz put in by the teachers. AIFUCTO leaders from Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh,UP have been taking turns in helping the Gen. Secy. in this phase of his work. The Secretariat members are closely monitoring the situation and a NEC meeting will be convened very soon.
Thanks and Regards,
Asok Barman General Secretary-AIFUCTOE-mail:aifucto@rediffmail.com

Monday, December 8, 2008

Decision on pay revision on 11 December?


Staff Reporter:
NEW DELHI: A delegation of teachers from the Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC) led by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president J. P. Agarwal met Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Saturday to press for early implementation of revised pay scales for university and college teachers.
“The Minister assured us that the decision regarding revised pay scales would be taken at the Union Cabinet meeting scheduled for December 11.
He also said that positive decisions will be taken on most of the demands raised by our delegation,” said Sanjay Kumar, the joint secretary of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association.
At a press conference on Friday, Mr. Agarwal introduced the INTEC panel contesting elections for membership of the Executive Council and the Academic Council of Delhi University. The elections are scheduled to take place on December 19.
INTEC has demanded that all readers and teachers in the Reader’s grade be placed in Pay Band-4.
“We feel there should be no downgrading of grade pay in any pay band. The parity between librarians and teachers should also not be violated and professorship should be introduced at colleges,” said Ashwini Shankar of Deshbandhu College faculty who is the INTEC candidate for the Executive Council.
Giving an overview of the INTEC agenda, Mr. Shankar said it was opposed to introduction of the semester system in colleges as the staff associations had “not been consulted” on the same.

Source: The Hindu

Sunday, December 7, 2008

New Year Gift?

MORE than five lakh teachers in the universities and colleges across the country may have to wait for one more month for the implementation of pay hike.
According to sources, the Ministry of Human Resource Development is finalising the Cabinet note for the implementation of the pay hike.
HRD Minister Arjun Singh has asked his officials to ensure that the announcement of the new pay package is made this month itself so that it could go as a New Year gift.
Though the University Grants Commission pay review committee had submitted its report in October itself, the HRD Ministry could not finalise the pay hike in view of the model code of conduct which came into effect when elections to five states were announced.
The pay review panel headed by Prof G K Chadha recommended 70 percent hike in pay and other emoluments for teachers in the universities and colleges. The committee also wanted all recommendations to be implemented in toto as a package with effect from January 1, 2006.
The pay package would also be valid for state-run colleges and universities recognised by the UGC.
Souce:IENS