Telangana: Contract teachers in universities await Govt’s decision to regularise their service

Despite nearing 10 months into ruling, the government continues to be mum on its promise of regularisation given to the contract teachers in the universities during the assembly elections

Hyderabad: Exposing the hollow nature of Congress government’s promises, the assurances on regularising services of the contract teachers in the universities are yet to be fulfilled.

Despite nearing 10 months into ruling, the government continues to be mum on its promise of regularisation given to the contract teachers in the universities during the assembly elections.

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This year saw at least five to six contract teachers retire from services without being regularised and with another 25 assistant professors set to superannuate next year, the future looks bleak for these educators who in absence of regularisation, do not have any benefits including retirement and death.

As many as 1,445 assistant professors on contract have been rendering their services in 10 universities in the State. As for the Osmania University, 340 regular teachers are on rolls as against a sanctioned strength of 1,267.

To fill in vacant positions, the university has been utilizing the service of over 300 contract teachers, including nearly 200 in the budgeted posts, for the past several years.

Apart from teaching, these educators who also undertake significant research and administrative responsibilities remain bereft of security and recognition afforded to their regular counterparts. They have also been demanding pay scale fixation with basic, DA and HRA besides annual three percent hike.

“Regularisation of the contract teachers should not be seen as a benefit for individuals but for the universities, which are grappling with a shortage of regular staff. Having regular staff will improve NAAC grade, NIRF ranking besides funding and projects from the funding agencies like the UGC and DBT,” said Dr. Ch.Parandamulu, a contract assistant professor in OU Sociology department.

With the looming retirements, the pressure is mounting on the remaining contract assistant professors who are now worrying about their future.

One such assistant professor who is due to retire in December is Dr. D Dharma Teja who has been working with the OU College of Education for the last 27 years said, “As assured, the government should regularise services of the contract teachers in the universities. We are planning to meet the Chief Minister regarding the issue. If a favourable decision is not taken in the next 10-12 days, we will commence agitation.”

Dr. Teja, is also heading the Telangana Universities Teachers Association (Contract).