Punjab Colleges Cry Foul: Salary Crisis Grips 136 Institutions
A wave of protests is sweeping across Punjab’s aided colleges, with teachers voicing outrage over the state government’s alleged mismanagement of the higher education sector. The demonstrations, involving faculty from 136 colleges – including 22 in Ludhiana alone – highlight a deepening crisis.
At the heart of the matter are unpaid salaries, a complete freeze on new recruitments, drastically reduced grants, and the inconsistent implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. This has left many teachers struggling to make ends meet.
The protesting teachers have accused the state government of a complete failure in its policy towards aided colleges. They have vowed to intensify their actions, with plans for upcoming dharnas and large-scale marches.
The situation underscores a worrying trend in Punjab’s higher education landscape. The ongoing crisis threatens not only the livelihoods of thousands of teachers but also the quality of education received by students across the state. The government’s response, or lack thereof, will be crucial in determining the future of these vital institutions.
