Universities/College Teachers demand for uniform retirement age

Teachers' associations from across the country made a representation to the University Grants Commission on Saturday, demanding uniform retirement age for college and university teachers in all States. The UGC Pay Review Committee, which is seeking views on the Sixth Pay Commission, held a meeting at Thiruvananthapuram on June 27 and 28 with vice-chancellors, principals, teachers and representatives of teachers' organisations. The meeting, hosted by the University of Kerala, was attended by representatives of 18 universities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Official sources told The Hindu that the committee was asked to recommend a uniform retirement age for both college and university teachers. College teachers from Tamil Nadu wanted their retirement age, now 58 years, to be increased to 60, on a par with university teachers. S. Vivekanandan, general secretary of the Madurai Kamaraj-Manonmaniam Sundaranar-Mother Teresa-Alagappa University Teachers' Association, who led a six-member team, said the association endorsed the demands put forth by the All India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations.

"Difference must go"

"The differences in retirement age should go and it is high time to bring uniformity for college and university teachers," Mr. Vivekanandan said. It was also suggested that all State governments start implementing the Pay Commission recommendations simultaneously.

The pay review committee comprises G. Padmanabhan, former Director of Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore); Nilofer Kazmi, Additional Secretary, UGC; and Kanwal Singh, Deputy Secretary.

Financial aid sought

Another demand that figured prominently in the deliberations was that the State governments must be given hundred per cent financial assistance by the Centre to implement Pay Commission recommendations.

According to the MUTA team, if the Centre's contribution was only 80 per cent, it led to delay in implementing pay revision at the State level due to financial constraints.

"We also demand that pay scales of college/university teachers should be that of Group 'A' officers of the Central government. That parity should not be disturbed," he said.

According to officials, the UGC committee is scheduled to hold two more meetings in Ahmedabad and New Delhi to elicit teachers' views.

Universities/College Teachers demand for uniform retirement age

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