Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Dr Kingra ends indefinite hunger strike, education bandh to continue
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana, December 8, 2021: Professor Dr. H.S Kingra, president of Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation) ended his indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday after the assurance from Education Minister Pargat Singh and B.B.Ashu, Food, and Supply Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu of addressing their demands of implementation of 7th UGC Pay Scales and withdrawal of the government decision to delink from the UGC Pay Scales.
Dr. Kingra has been on fast since December 1.
On Wednesday, Ashu visited the PAU fasting site and offered a glass of juice to Dr. Kingra to bring his fast to a ceremonial close. Addressing the teachers on the occasion, Ashu assured his full support to the teachers and promised that he along with Education minister S. Pargat Singh will vigorously pursue the matter.
On Tuesday, a deputation of PFUCTO (Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers Organisation) met the Punjab Chief Minister along with Education Minister S. Pargat Singh and Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Food and Supply Minister, and apprised them of the pending issues of the University and College teachers of the state.
Their twin demands are the implementation of the 7th UGC Pay Scales and the withdrawal of the government decision to delink from the UGC Pay Scales as the same conflict with UGC Regulations which have the status of central law.
"Pargat Singh emphasized that this has the potential of depriving universities and colleges of Punjab of research and development funds under various schemes of t.he Government of India," PFUCTO stated
"Ashu wholeheartedly supported the contentions of the education minister and the demands of the teachers. Thereafter, Chief Minister, S. Charanjit Singh Channi, Education minister S.Pargat Singh and Sh. B. B. Ashu discussed the matter with senior officials of the government. After the meeting, the two ministers expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved soon and also expressed concern about the health of Dr HS Kingra, PFUCTO president who has been on a fast since Dec 1.
Respecting their feelings, it was decided that Dr Kingra would be requested to discontinue his indefinite fast, however, the Education Bandh will continue till things take a concrete shape," the University and College Teachers Organisation added.