Assam College Teachers Demand Urgent Solutions To Long-Standing Issues
The boycott of Teachers' Day in 2024 was a symbolic move meant to draw attention to the plight of educators. The protests were not just about personal grievances but also about the broader impact on Assam’s higher education sector
Over the years, Assam’s college teachers have faced numerous unresolved challenges, from delayed promotions to inadequate infrastructural support in educational institutions. In September 2024, frustration among educators reached its peak when more than 9,000 college teachers boycotted Teachers' Day celebrations in protest against the state government's failure to address their demands. Today, while protests have quieted down, the demands remain strong, with the teachers calling for immediate solutions instead of vague assurances.
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The crux of the matter lies in the delayed implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), meant to promote teachers in a timely manner. Although an Office Memorandum (OM) was issued by the Higher Education Department in November 2023 to streamline CAS promotions, the execution left much to be desired. While ACTA acknowledged the government’s attempt to improve the system, it also pointed out serious discrepancies that needed urgent redressal.
The discontent among college teachers didn’t arise overnight. Over the past few years, repeated pleas to rectify errors in service conditions and promotions went unheard.
Despite ongoing representations, their voices were met with bureaucratic delays and, at times, complete neglect.
One of the key flashpoints occurred in early 2023 when teachers demanded immediate revision of the promotion process. “We have always believed in peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement. But when years of discussions yield no result, frustration builds up,” said an ACTA member who participated in the September protests told GPlus.
The boycott of Teachers' Day in 2024 was a symbolic move meant to draw attention to the plight of educators. The protests were not just about personal grievances but also about the broader impact on Assam’s higher education sector. “If teachers are demotivated, how can we expect quality education? This is not just about salaries; it’s about respect for our profession,” remarked another ACTA official.
In recent months, the tone of the discourse has shifted from protests to active demands for concrete solutions. ACTA, representing the voice of college teachers across Assam, has presented a detailed list of their concerns, urging the government to act without further delay.
Among their key demands are:
Correction of Errors in Promotion Dates
“The promotion list published on January 29, 2024, contains several errors in due dates, causing unnecessary delays and confusion. Such errors affect our career progression and need immediate rectification,” said an ACTA representative.
Regularisation of Services
Many teachers are still waiting for their services to be regularised, even after fulfilling all eligibility criteria. The delay in regularisation not only hampers their career growth but also demoralises the teaching community.
Amendment of the Office Memorandum
The Office Memorandum (OM) issued on November 8, 2023, has several provisions that contradict UGC guidelines. “We simply want the OM to align with UGC norms. This is a legitimate demand, not an unreasonable one,” explained an ACTA member.
Infrastructural Improvements
Beyond personal grievances, teachers have also highlighted the lack of proper infrastructure in many colleges. Laboratories, libraries, and classrooms often fall short of the necessary standards to provide quality education.
Timely Disbursal of Salaries and Benefits
Delays in the disbursal of salaries and other benefits have been a recurring issue. “A teacher’s primary focus should be on imparting knowledge, not on worrying about when they will receive their salary,” said one teacher from government college told GPlus.
However, talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Assam Education Department said, “We are aware of the concerns raised by the teachers. The Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, is scheduled to meet with ACTA representatives on January 4, 2024, to discuss the way forward.”
This announcement has provided a glimmer of hope, but teachers remain cautious. They emphasize that discussions must lead to concrete actions, not just more promises.
While this assurance provides a glimmer of hope, teachers remain skeptical. Many feel that similar promises have been made in the past without any real action.
“We have heard such assurances before,” said another ACTA member. “This time, we need concrete solutions, not just discussions. Until then, our protests will continue.”
All eyes are now on the scheduled meeting between ACTA and the Education Minister. While the government has expressed its willingness to engage, the outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining the future course of action.
Will the government finally address the long-standing issues of Assam’s college teachers? Or will this be yet another instance of delayed promises and temporary fixes? Only time will tell.
For the teachers of Assam, this is not just a demand for better service conditions—it is a call for respect, recognition, and a brighter future for the state’s students.
