Himachal Pradesh Teachers Demand Action on Career Advancement Scheme Delays

Teachers in Himachal Pradesh Call for Urgent Action on CAS

Sudhanshu Sharma

Shimla

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), which represents university and college educators throughout Himachal Pradesh, has expressed strong disapproval regarding the state government's procrastination in executing the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) as outlined by the 7th UGC Pay Commission.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced the 7th Central Pay Scales on January 30, 2018, following the recommendations from the Pay Revision Committee. These scales were implemented across the country, allowing educators in other states to receive their salaries, arrears, and promotions under CAS. However, in Himachal Pradesh, despite official notifications issued on May 1, 2022, and October 1, 2022, the implementation of CAS promotions and incentive increments for advanced qualifications remains unresolved.

As a result of this delay, no promotions have occurred in state universities and colleges since 2022, leaving numerous faculty members—some approaching retirement—without the career advancements they deserve. Leaders of the JAC pointed out that while employees in other government sectors continue to receive timely promotions and benefits, higher education faculty are subjected to this unfair treatment.

“Teachers are being denied their rightful entitlements. This intentional neglect is harming morale and directly impacting the educational quality in our institutions,” stated Prof. Janardan Singh (President, JAC) and Prof. Nitin Vyas (General Secretary, JAC).

The committee accused the government of maintaining an “anti-employee stance,” citing delays in the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and arrears under the 7th Pay Commission. They cautioned that the government's lack of responsiveness is driving teachers towards a larger statewide protest.

The JAC reminded officials that under CAS, Assistant Professors are typically promoted to Associate Professors, and Associate Professors to Professors—a standard practice across India. Himachal Pradesh stands out as the only state where this process has been obstructed.

Referencing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the committee stressed: “The effectiveness and quality of education can only be ensured through motivated and satisfied teachers.”

The JAC has called for the immediate issuance of a distinct notification to implement CAS and incentive increments for higher qualifications, warning that failure to do so will lead to an escalation of their movement.