Contract Assistant Professors in Telangana Protest for Better Pay and Benefits
Hyderabad:Contract assistant professors at state universities staged a protest, wearing black badges to demand better pay, including basic, dearness allowance (DA), and house rent allowance (HRA).
The professors, who have been serving in teaching, research, and administration roles for years, stressed that the majority of universities were now reliant on contract staff. They called on the government to implement the long-awaited wage increase proposals.
The group also urged the government to resolve their issue before proceeding with any new recruitment of staff, and highlighted the need for an increase in the retirement age for professors. The demand follows a statement made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in which he discussed the increase in retirement age and recruitment initiatives. Contract assistant professors were notably absent from the discussion.
The protest was coordinated by the State All Universities Contract Assistant Professors Coordinating Committee, with key members Dr Sadu Rajesh (KU), Dr E. Upender (VCITMU), and Dr Vijayender Reddy (OU) leading the charge.
Dr Rajesh reiterated that, despite having all the necessary qualifications and over 20 years of service in universities, their demands remain unaddressed. Dr Velpula Kumar also pointed out that the Congress had included the issue in its election manifesto and that Revanth Reddy, as PCC president, had personally assured them that the matter would be resolved before the elections.
Dr. Reshma Reddy, one of the protesting professors, stated that if the government went ahead with recruitment without addressing their demands, they would freeze activity at all universities. The protest saw the participation of key figures from Osmania, Kakatiya, Telangana, and other universities.
