Chandigarh/Patiala, 08 November 2024: The protest by assistant professors (guest faculty) at Punjabi University entered its fourth week on Thursday, as members of the Punjabi University Guest Teachers Association (PUGTA) observed a “Black Diwali” to highlight their ongoing demands.
The faculty members are seeking a base salary of Rs. 57,700, in accordance with UGC norms and the “equal pay for equal work” principle upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The association also pointed out that 392 of the 724 sanctioned teaching positions are vacant, with only 332 permanent faculty members in place.
To address this gap, guest faculty are paid Rs. 750 per lecture, with a monthly cap of Rs. 35,000, which they argue is a violation of UGC regulations.
The protestors vowed to intensify their actions if their demands are not met.
