University Teachers’ Association (Contract) seek regularisation, implementation of UGC pay scale

The University Teachers’ Association (Contract) representing contract assistant professors in 12 public universities has called for regularisation and implementation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) pay scales before filling remaining vacancies. Speaking at a press conference, association members appealed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to honour promises made earlier regarding job security and salary parity for contract faculty.

They urged the merger of eligible contract professors into regular service, aligning with recommendations from the Telangana Education Commission's Telangana Education Policy 2026. Association members hold advanced qualifications like NET/SET, Ph.D., and have dedicated nearly three decades to university roles, fulfilling both academic and administrative responsibilities comparable to regular faculty.

The association reminded that during an 11-day strike last April, Reddy reportedly assured contract professors of job security for around 1,200 faculty members, exemption of an equal number of vacancies from recruitment, and the implementation of UGC pay scales. However, these promises have yet to be fulfilled, the association claims, urging the government to issue an order without further delay.

The issue of stagnant salaries also looms large, as contract assistant professors have been receiving pay under the Sixth Pay Revision Commission since 2018, while regular assistant professors received Seventh PRC-UGC pay scales in 2019.