Campus Notes

Paper Checking in JU Teachers allege disparity in remuneration

Syed Namaz Shah

Teachers of the University of Jammu have once again raised their voice over 'less remuneration' being given to them for checking and evaluation of answer scripts from under graduate to post graduate level in comparison to their counter parts in University of Kashmir.

Besides this disparity, teachers have alleged that they are being lesser payment for discharging examination duties. They have said that teachers in University of Jammu are given Rs 8-10 for each paper whereas in Kashmir University, they are getting Rs 15-20 per answer sheet.

The issue of disparity came in the limelight during the tenure of former Vice Chancellor Prof Amitabh Mattoo. After which a committee was constituted under the leadership of Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. B.P.S Sehgal in which Registrar, J S Sambyal, Joint Registrar, Joint Director, Presidents of Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA), College Teachers Association (CTA) and others officials were included to find amicable solution of the issue.

The said committee submitted its report, to then Vice-Chancellor and recommended to enhance the amount being given to the teachers for checking answer sheets. Interestingly, the recommendations were not implemented for one reason or other.

The quest of the varsity teachers for the enhancement did not end and they have again raised their voice against the disparity between the two universities. The issue came into discussion even during the recently held meeting of university Council.

College Teachers Association (CTA) president Dr Sanjay Sharma also met Vice-Chancellor Prof Varun Sahni to discuss the issue with him. VC has according to reliable reports assured teachers that the issue would be resolved in the coming days since VC has ordered submission of the proposal in the financial wing of the university.

*********
Increasing temperature has made the heat unbearable and chances of it coming down are bleak. Impact of this can be witnessed in the university where the attendance is decreasing with each passing day.

Most of the students like to sit in libraries of their respective departments or in Central Library to escape the scorching heat. Students are also seen carrying umbrellas, head covers, hand gloves and glasses to escape the effects of heat.The summer has just started and it's already like a heat wave has struck Jammu. The worst sufferers are motorcyclists and girls driving scooties.

The scorching heat and humidity has simply added to our woes," said an exasperated outsider who was in long queue to submit her form.

********

Taking cognizance of complaints lodged by faculty members with the Vice Chancellor's office, sources said that Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu Prof Varun Sahni, convened a four hours long meeting with the faculty members of Political Sciences Department, last evening which lasted till 9PM.

They added that complaint was made by faculty member of the Political Science Department regarding inadequate infrastructure, non-availability of air coolers besides some other issues of Post Graduate students of the varsity.

*****

A delegation of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JUSEA) today called on Dean, Academic Affairs and apprised him about the problems being faced by the scholars. The delegation was led by JURSEA president Vikas Sharma, who raised the issue of the neglected scholar rooms in the campus.