The University Teachers’ Association of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) on Monday launched an indefinite silent dharna here protesting against the apathetic approach of the OUAT administration in dealing with their 18-point of charter of demands.
About 500 teachers from across the State joined the stir. The demands include adoption of UGC guidelines for direct recruitment and Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for teachers, scientists and SMSs of KVKs, Associate Professors, Professors and Deans instead of ICAR and ASRB guidelines as it was practised up to 2018 in OUAT. All amendments made in light of ICAR guidelines since 2019 should be withdrawn.
Withdrawal of memo issued to Deans/Directors/ HODs/OICs on EPF and ESI which should be managed centrally at the university level. A transparent policy for transfer, appointment of in-charge Deans and Adjuncts and Emeritus Professors is also demanded.
The demands too include regularisation with terminal benefits and provisions of revised UGC pay of scale and CAS for all teachers, scientists and SMSs of KVKs working in contractual conditions with pre-revised UGC scale of pay in KVKs, CPGS and other colleges of OUAT.Association general secretary Dr Pradeepta Kumar Sahoo said that despite repeated pleas, the administration is dillydallying in meeting the just demands. Since October, the association has been sending reminders to the Vice-Chancellor but in vain. The teachers protested on November 1 wearing black badges till November 12. The other demands are pay protection and CAS benefit for KVK scientists who have joined in regular stream or within the KVK system. The staffs of establishment and accounts sections dealing with teachers, scientists and SMSs in OUAT should be changed every three years on a rotation basis.