Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon on Wednesday met Prerna Puri, Secretary (Education), UT, to discuss several pressing issues confronting teachers and academic staff in UT Chandigarh.
During the meeting, he conveyed the concerns raised by a delegation of guest teachers who had recently approached him with their long-standing grievances. He also handed over their written representation for necessary action.
“Payments to several guest teachers remain pending and need immediate attention. I also shared their concerns regarding the recent checking conducted by the Finance Department on contract teachers,” said Tandon.
Tandon elaborated on the changes in salary patterns and discrepancies observed in their work, which came to light following a complaint reviewed by the Finance Secretary. This has resulted in the issuance of a letter that could potentially impact around 400 guest teachers. Tandon explained the viewpoint of the guest teachers in this regard to the education secretary.
He strongly urged that pending salary arrears, especially those delayed due to holidays and breaks, be released at the earliest.
The second issue raised pertained to professors working in aided colleges. He pointed out that their pay anomalies and promotions have remained unresolved for a considerable period.
He emphasized that while their pay structures are inconsistently linked at times with UGC norms, Punjab patterns, or central government guidelines, their due increments have not been granted for the past four years, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. He requested that this matter be addressed on priority.
The third issue discussed was related to the pension of retired teachers from aided schools. He noted that the Triple Benefit Scheme has not yet been implemented for them, resulting in meagre pensions of approximately ₹3,000–₹4,000 per month.
He highlighted that implementation of the scheme, as seen in other Union Territories, could significantly enhance their financial security.
The leader expressed hope that all three issues would be addressed promptly and resolved in a positive and constructive manner.
Prerna Puri assured that efforts would be made to take appropriate action and resolve these concerns within this month, bringing much-needed relief to guest teachers, contract teachers, professors of aided colleges, and retired teachers of aided schools.