Himachal Pradesh Faculty Protest: Joint Action Committee Calls for Academic Boycott

In a decisive meeting, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in Himachal Pradesh has announced a complete academic boycott on May 11, 2026, to protest the government's failure to implement overdue faculty promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme. The committee, comprising representatives from various universities, condemned the delays as detrimental to education and teachers' rights. They plan to conduct awareness campaigns and demonstrations to rally support from students and the community, emphasizing the impact on the quality of higher education in the state. This movement seeks justice for educators, highlighting the essential role of teachers in a progressive society.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 18:47 IST

Joint Action Committee Meeting Addresses Faculty Promotions

Sudhanshu Sharma

Today, a significant gathering of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) took place, featuring representatives from numerous universities and colleges throughout Himachal Pradesh. The main focus was the state government's neglect in executing overdue promotions for faculty members under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).

Participants expressed their collective disapproval of the delays, labeling them as 'anti-education' and a breach of teachers' rights. They highlighted that CAS promotions are not just bureaucratic procedures but essential acknowledgments of academic achievements, research contributions, and professional excellence. The committee criticized the government's lack of responsiveness, describing it as a 'Kumbhakarni sleep' regarding the longstanding demands of educators.

Key figures in attendance included Prof. Janardan Singh (President, Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University), Dr. Sunil (Vice President, Sardar Patel University), Dr. Pradeep (Veterinary College of Science), Dr. Praveen Sharma (President, Agriculture University), Dr. Ravindra Singh (Joint Secretary), and Prof. Nitin Vyas (General Secretary, HPU), along with numerous other faculty members.

The committee decided that on May 11, 2026, all universities and colleges in the state will participate in a total academic boycott, halting classes, examinations, and all academic functions to protest against the government's inaction.

Additionally, JAC announced plans for awareness initiatives, memorandums, and demonstrations in the upcoming days to advocate for their demands. They called on teachers to stand together and appealed to students and the community for support, emphasizing that this issue significantly affects the quality and future of higher education in Himachal Pradesh.

In closing, the committee reaffirmed that their fight is not aimed at confrontation but rather at achieving justice, asserting that protecting teachers' rights is vital for a progressive society.