Mumbai, August 27: Classes can resume in universities and colleges across the state after a gap of 44 days, with more than 30,000 teachers calling off their strike.
The Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (MFUCTO), which began its strike on July 14, called off the agitation after signing an agreement with the government late on Wednesday. The decision was jointly announced by the higher and technical education minister Rajesh Tope and MFUCTO.
The teachers were demanding in toto implementation of the UGC’s composite scheme under the Sixth Pay Commission. The state agreed to partial implementation of the scheme, but promised to clear full arrears even if the Centre didn’t release its share of 80% of the funds.
“Our fear was that since the UGC scheme has been modified by the state through partial implementation, the Centre may not pay 80% of the arrears. But the state has promised to shoulder the burden if the Centre doesn’t release arrears,” said a MFCUTO spokesperson. While dearness allowance will be as per the UGC scheme, other allowances will be same as paid to other government employees in the state. But all the benefits that teachers enjoy over and above the state government employees will remain unchanged.
The clause that payscales will be applicable only to those who are “lawfully” appointed has been removed. “This, we feared, would have deprived the non NET/SLET teachers of the benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission. But the government has agreed to implement it for all approved teachers, including non NET/SLET,” said the spokesperson.
–Agencies–