The members of Nagpur University Teachers Association (NUTA) on Monday staged demonstrations demanding better pay-scales. Over 150 teachers
participated in the protests which were part of Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation's (MFUCTO) programme to pursue a five-point charter of demands that includes implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission for the college and university teachers.
The organisation also demanded exemption from appearing in NET/SET for teachers as per UGC notification, implementation of the leave package as announced by University Grants Commission (UGC), end to policy of promoting unaided institutions, and cancellation of privatisation of pension scheme.
The protestors led by MFUCTO general secretary Eknath Kathale, vice-president Prakash Hiwarkar, and member of NUTA working committee Sunil Hazare stated that the government had failed to even discuss the demands with MFUCTO despite they having approached the government repeatedly.
The claimed that the Centre had already implemented the sixth pay commission scales for lecturers at central universities and their affiliated colleges. It had also promised huge grants to the states towards implementing the revised pay scales. However, the state government had failed to do its bit.
The members claimed that the state government had no qualms about giving Sixth Pay Commission salaries to its own 15 lakh employees but was hesitant in case of teachers.
The members warned that if their demands were not met, they would stage demonstrations before the collectorate office on June 22. All lecturers will go take mass leave on July 6. If the government failed to respond even then, MFUCTO members would launch an indefinite strike from July 14.