CPI Rajya Sabha leader P Sandosh Kumar on Wednesday conveyed the anguish of India’s university and college teachers over the continuing deterioration of their service conditions and the government’s alleged persistent indifference.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Kumar stated that relentless exploitation and institutional neglect have compelled the All India Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (AIFUCTO) to launch a nationwide protest from December 9 in Delhi.
He further alleged that this crisis is entirely the government’s creation.
“Nearly three lakh sanctioned teaching posts remain vacant across the country even as qualified youth face unemployment, while an estimated six and a half lakh teachers continue to serve in ad hoc and contractual positions without dignity, security or rightful service benefits,” he said.
The CPI MP also criticised the UGC guidelines that require serving teachers to undergo the Teacher Eligibility Test once again, calling it an affront to professional decency.
He reiterated the CPI’s demand for the scrapping of the anti federal National Education Policy 2020.
Kumar further highlighted the uneven implementation of Seventh Pay Commission benefits and the discriminatory treatment of pensioners, exposing the government’s disregard for those who have dedicated their lives to education.
He cautioned that the Union government’s excessive centralisation is damaging academic institutions, disempowering states and undermining both teachers and students. Teachers are the foundational pillars of the nation and their grievances are legitimate, urgent and deserving of immediate redress.
He urged the government to respond without delay, engage with teachers’ organisations and take concrete measures to restore justice, dignity and security to the teaching community.