College lecturers demand implementation of UGC approved pay scale
Srinagar, Jul 26: The J&K Higher Education Department (HED) contractual lecturers on Saturday rued the disparity in their salary provided by the department.
The college contractual lecturers demanded implementation of pay scale recommended by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The lecturers, many of whom possessing PhD besides NET, SET and JRF qualified, expressed frustration and deep anguish over the continued denial by the HED to pay salary to them as per the UGC Pay scale.
"Despite years of committed service, we remain bound to a monthly honorarium of just Rs 28,000 which is an insult to our academic stature and fails to meet even the basic cost of living in a rapidly inflating economy," said, Sheikh Afaq Gowhar, a contractual posted at SP College Srinagar.
"How is it justifiable that class IV employees, with only matriculation qualifications, draw salaries exceeding Rs 50,000 while doctorate-holding faculty members who teach, mentor, and lead academic innovation are forced to work on a meagre honorarium," he questioned.
He said that Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) like SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir (KU), and IUST have implemented the revised UGC pay scales.
"But HED is reluctant to offer the same dignity to its lecturers," he said.
The lecturers said that their journey has witnessed several broken promises of the government and the political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"CM made repeated commitments both in public forums and televised debates to regularize pay and working conditions. But those assurances have failed to materialize on the ground," he said.
Dr Afaq said the college lecturers play a critical role in sustaining the higher education ecosystem of the region, often filling teaching vacancies in far-flung areas and maintaining academic continuity amidst frequent institutional disruptions.
"Our contribution has been vital in recent years when many permanent posts have remained vacant, and the academic burden has been disproportionately borne by temporary appointments," he said.
He said the college lecturers were not asking for privileges but are demanding parity.
"We shape the minds of tomorrow, yet are made to feel dispensable. It is a violation of academic dignity and social justice," he said.
The college lecturers said their job was not only underpaid but also unrecognised with no job security, no benefits, and no clear roadmap to regularisation.
"We have submitted multiple memorandums, appeals, and delegations to the concerned authorities, but the silence has been deafening. The lack of a structured response from the administration is now breeding resentment," the lecturers said.
The college lecturers urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and HED to immediately implement the UGC pay scale structure to end the prolonged "injustice."
"Our demand is not merely financial; It is a demand for respect, stability, and recognition," Dr. Afaq said.
Director Colleges J&K Prof. Sheikh Aijaz Bashir when contacted said the demand of college lecturers was genuine but the department needs financial support to fulfill their demand.
"We know they all deserve the enhancement in salary but it has financial implications as their number is huge," he told Greater Kashmir.
He said that Ladakh colleges or Kashmir University appoints around 100 to 200 lecturers but HED hires more than 2000 for which the department needs financial support.
"But their case is under active consideration of the government. The issue is discussed in every meeting," he said.
