UGC panel for 70% pay hike for teachers

http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/04/stories/2008100460241100.htm

The UGC Pay Review Committee has recommended a hike of over 70 per cent in the pay of university and college teachers, besides allowances. The panel, headed by G.K. Chadha, submitted its report to UGC chairman S.K. Thorat.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Prof. Chadha said: “We have created extra positions at the university and college level and no position has got less than a 70 per cent hike. There is a higher grade pay for every category.”

Instead of lecturers, there will now be assistant professors who will become assistant professors (senior scale) in four years and then be promoted assistant professor (selection grade) in five years. All the three will be in the new pay band of Rs.15,600-Rs. 39,100 with a different grade pay. The committee has proposed creation of a new post of senior professor for any teacher with 10 years of experience as professor.

“Another additional new post is that of professor of eminence. This title may be conferred on not more than 10 per cent of the total strength of professors in a university. This position will be bestowed on someone who has acquired national and international stature. The criteria for choosing them will be tough. In terms of pay package, professors of eminence and Vice-Chancellors will be at par (Rs. 80,000),” said H.C. Narang, a panel member.

“At the college level, the post of Reader will be replaced with associate professor. A new position of senior associate professor has been proposed as a third avenue of promotion for college teachers. We have also asked that posts of professor be sanctioned for direct recruitment in colleges for disciplines that have postgraduate teaching. There should be at least one post of professor in such disciplines,” said Prof. Chadha.

The age of superannuation has been fixed at 65. The committee wants its recommendations implemented in toto with effect from January 1, 2006.