Demand to take all necessary actions for converting Panjab University into Central University

Chandigarh, June 15, 2022: Today more than 100 teachers of Panjab University met Vice Chancellor Professor Raj Kumar and urged him to take all necessary actions for  converting Panjab University into a Central University. Teachers very clearly articulated their 2 core demands before the Vice Chancellor v.i.z implementation of 7th payscales on teachers of Panjab University and enhancement of retirement age of teachers from 60 years to 65 years. Teachers in one voice opined that their these two core demands can be met only and only if Panjab University is converted into a Central University. 

Professor Manu Sharma, who fought PUTA elections in 2021 for President's post, stressed that Panjab University is always combating perennial financial crisis and this issue can be settled only if PU becomes a Central University. 

Dr Parveen Goyal who is also member of the Senate of Panjab University argued that with conversion of Panjab University into a Central University all stakeholders like students, teachers, non-teaching employees, general public etc will get benefitted. 
Dr Naresh Mehndia highlighted that we have a golden opportunity now to convert PU into a Central University because honourable court has explicitly directed Central Government to consider converting PU into a Central University. He gave a clarion call to all stakeholders to request Central Government in one voice to urgently convert PU into a Central University. 

Dr Priyatosh Sharma stressed that with conversion of PU into a Central Inovetsity, students will get more scholarships, fees will come down, Laboratories will get modernized, teachers will get payscales on time, University will get more funds for improvement of infrastructure, retirement age of teachers will increase etc. There was an overwhelming sentiment in the gathering that teachers of PU should immediately get 7th Pay scales and their retirement age should be increased to 65 years so as establish parity with their counterpart teachers working in colleges of Chandigarh. Pertinent to mention here that as of now teachers working in colleges of Chandigarh have got 7th pay scales and are retiring now at age of 65 years. Vice Chancellor of Panjab University Professor Raj Kumar assured teachers that he will consider the representation that teachers have submitted and will take necessary action.