Chandigarh, 13 February 2025: Panjab University Teachers Association (PUTA) has written to the Union education minister, objecting to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) recent clarification denying non-compounded advance increments to eligible academic staff for obtaining MPhil and PhD degrees.
The February 10 clarification, they argued, contradicts UGC’s own 2018 regulations, which recognize higher qualifications as essential for improving teaching standards.
PUTA president AS Naura called the decision unfair and harmful to academic excellence. “Denying increments despite UGC’s own regulations not only affects faculty members but also weakens the academic environment,” he said.
Urging the minister to intervene, PUTA demanded the withdrawal of the UGC directive and sought assurances that it would not be implemented.
Read More: PU’s NRI Admission Policy Raises Questions Post-SC Ruling
