Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 24: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Teaching Association Jammu (SKUAST-TAJ) and the Scientists and Teachers Association (SSTA) of SKUAST-Kashmir held a high-level joint meeting at the Chatha Campus, Jammu. The meeting, chaired by Dr. Vikas Sharma, President of SKUAST-TAJ, and Dr. Javed Ahmed Mugloo, President of SSTA, focused on critical issues affecting the teaching fraternity of both universities.
A major point of discussion was the abolition of the review system for enhancing the superannuation age of professors from 62 to 65 years. The associations expressed concern over the current system, which they described as biased and humiliating for senior professors, resulting in frustration among the academic community. They demanded an unconditional increase in the retirement age to 65 years for professors in all erstwhile state universities, including SKUAST-Jammu, SKUAST-Kashmir, the University of Jammu, and the University of Kashmir.
Dr. Vikas Sharma emphasized the need for uniformity in retirement policies across universities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Supporting this, Dr. Javed Ahmed Mugloo criticized the review system, particularly for professors who have served in key positions such as Deans, Directors, and Vice-Chancellors, calling it unacceptable.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of adhering to UGC guidelines for conducting Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions biannually. Other issues discussed included the long-pending promotion of Subject Matter Specialists to Grade Pay Rs. 8000 and the re-designation of Programme Assistants currently in Grade Pay Rs. 6000. The associations stressed that timely promotions and uniform policies would boost morale and enhance teaching and research output.
The meeting was attended by prominent faculty members, including Dr. Zaffar Badri, Dr. Devinder Sharma, and Dr. Muneeshwar Sharma, among others.
The associations reiterated their commitment to addressing the concerns of the teaching community and urged authorities to take swift action on these critical issues. |
