New Delhi [India], March 27 (ANI):
Jesus and Mary College
(JMC) has mandated a reassessment of salaries for teachers who earned PhDs, M.Phils., or ME degrees after January 1, 2016.
UGC
instruction terminating distinct increases for advanced degrees after the 7th Pay Commission.

The
JMC Staff Association
has vehemently disagreed with the decision, contending that it essentially cancels out the Ph.D. and M.Phil. increments awarded under
UGC
Regulations 2018.

The directive, providing clarifications from the
University Grants Commission
(
UGC
) and the
Ministry of Education
(previously known as MHRD), refers to an October 15, 2024,
UGC
Letter to JMC dated November 2, 2017, from MHRD, along with a follow-up
UGC
a letter sent to all Central Universities on February 10, 2025.

The Administration department might adjust the salaries of the teaching staff members listed here as of March 1, 2025. This adjustment applies specifically to those who earned a Ph.D., M.Phil, or M.E. degree following the enforcement of the 7th Pay Commission starting January 1, 2016. The Accounts Department must enforce this change effective from March 1, 2025, according to the notice issued on February 24.

Under the previous
UGC
According to regulations, teachers had the right to receive non-compound advances when they attained higher qualifications. For instance, faculty members were awarded five advanced increments for obtaining a Ph.D. and two for earning an M.Phil. at the point of their hiring. Furthermore, staff members who acquired these degrees during their employment were given three increments for a Ph.D. and one increment for an M.Phil., respectively.

However, the recent
UGC
The clarification indicates that the advantages of advanced degrees had been incorporated into the compensation framework via the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). Consequently, additional increases for earning Ph.D. or M.Phil. degrees after January 1, 2016, are being eliminated. This adjustment has raised worries among faculty about possible decreases in their salaries as well as potential salary repayments.

JMC educators assert that this change will lead to financial difficulties and psychological strain because it upsets their current compensation framework.

Over 50 educators are not receiving the salaries they deserve according to
UGC
The regulations from 2018 are leading to significant demoralization and psychological strain among educators who have structured their careers based on the previous compensation framework,” stated the organization in a release.

At the Governing Body assembly held on March 21, 2025, the team asked the institution to suspend the re-assessment procedure until further notice.
UGC
An expert panel established on March 6, 2025, presents its suggestions. Nonetheless, the administration turned down the petition, instructing the institution to move forward with the salary adjustment process in March as planned.

Describing the choice as “regrettable,” the organization contended that altering compensation without modifying the
UGC
The regulations from 2018 conflict with legal standards.

In protest, the
JMC Staff Association
organized a sit-in protest on campus between 11 AM and 1 PM on Thursday, coinciding with the
Delhi University
The Teachers’ Association (DUTA)’s appeal for university-wide demonstrations against the
UGC
clarification, the draft
UGC
Rules 2025, Delhi University’s suggested acquisition of 12 colleges under the Delhi government, along with the evaluation of previous service periods for promotion purposes.

Meanwhile, the
Delhi University
The Teachers’ Association (DUTA) organized demonstrations at multiple colleges addressing concerns affecting educators. According to their statement, DUTA vehemently opposes the refusal to grant PhDs, M.Phils, and salary increases, along with the disregard of previous service years when considering promotions. These actions have resulted in significant financial harm and inequity for teachers.

The organization mentioned that according to the
UGC
In accordance with Regulations 2018, educators were eligible for straightforward advances without compounding to pursue advanced degrees. Nevertheless, the institution is currently revoking this advantage due to an erroneous understanding of these guidelines.
UGC
‘s recent clarification. (ANI)