Teachers seek clarity over 7th pay panel

Thiruvananthapuram: Teachers unions have sought clarity on the report of the seventh pay commission of the UGC.  Though the order makes a hike of 22 to 28 per cent in salaries, it is silent on allowances. Moreover, it is also not clear on the amount provided by the Centre for implementing the hike. During the last pay revision, the Centre had shared 80 percent of the additional burden during the first five years.

All Kerala Private College Teachers' Association (AKPCTA) general secretary K. L. Vivekanadan said the Union government had not yet rectified the anomalies in the 2006 pay scale.  Though the revision came in 2006, its rules were framed only in 2010.  As a result, 90 percent of assistant professors appointed during the period are yet to get promoted. 

Though the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (AIFCTO) had taken up the matter with Union HRD minister Prakash Javadekar, there were no steps to rectify, Mr Vivekanandan told DC. Sources said its implementation would enhance teachers’ pay in the range of ' 10,400 and Rs  49,800.  Though the revision would be applicable for central universities as the Union cabinet had approved the report, for state institutions, it requires adoption by respective governments.