CACTA raises alarm over pending UGC benefits for aided college teachers

The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers’ Association (CACTA) has raised concerns over continued delays in granting mandatory UGC benefits to teachers at privately managed government-aided colleges in Chandigarh.

The association pointed out that despite a central government directive issued nearly three years ago, the Chandigarh Administration has yet to implement service benefits and UGC regulations for faculty members.

Teachers say the issue has persisted since April 2022, when Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that Chandigarh, as a Union Territory, must follow central government policies without ambiguity.

“After the historic announcement by Shri Amit Shah Ji on 1st April 2022, there was absolutely no scope for confusion. Yet, the Chandigarh Administration has deliberately created ambiguity without any reason, thereby denying teachers their rightful UGC benefits. This is not just a delay; it is a conscious injustice,” said Minakshi Rathore, President of CACTA.

CACTA’s demands include Career Advancement Scheme promotions effective from July 18, 2018; enhanced Dearness Allowance from January 2025; 20% House Rent Allowance; one-year probation with full salary; higher superannuation age; and full implementation of the UGC Regulations, 2018.

The association claims these benefits were promised but remain unfulfilled, affecting staff morale and potentially impacting the quality of education.

With more than 30,000 students enrolled across aided colleges in Chandigarh, CACTA emphasized that delays in implementing teachers’ rights threaten the city’s reputation as a leading education hub.

While the association has refrained from boycotting examinations to protect students’ interests, it warned that stronger measures may be considered.

“If our legitimate demands are not fulfilled immediately, CACTA will intensify the agitation from the next academic session, including mass protests at the Chandigarh Secretariat, the Governor House March, and sustained demonstrations at Matka Chowk and other locations. We will do everything necessary to ensure our voices reach the Central Government,” the leadership said.

CACTA stressed that its call for protests follows multiple attempts to resolve the matter amicably, noting that implementing UGC benefits is essential not only for fairness to faculty but also for maintaining Chandigarh’s standing as an academic center.