SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, September 6: The Teachers Association of Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU), Dumka, convened a meeting on Friday, expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Hemant Soren for reintroducing the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Concern over university administration
During the meeting, the association voiced concerns over the absence of a regular vice-chancellor and other senior officials at SKMU for the past 15 months. They urged the Raj Bhawan to expedite these appointments to ensure the smooth functioning of the university.
The teachers accused the current officiating officers of mismanagement, which they claim has disrupted both the academic and administrative systems of the university. The association said that the anti-teacher policies of these officials were detrimental to the institution’s growth.
Opposition to biometric attendance order
The association also strongly opposed the August 2 university directive linking biometric attendance to salary payments. This order requires teachers to log biometric attendance twice daily—once at 10 am and again at 4 pm—and upload their performance during this period for their salary to be processed.
The SKMU Teachers’ Association highlighted the university’s lack of basic infrastructure, including poorly maintained libraries and washrooms, as a pressing concern. They criticized the administration for focusing on policies like biometric attendance instead of addressing fundamental issues.
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“The university lacks essential facilities. Teachers often have to leave the campus to meet basic needs, such as using washrooms. We strongly protest this order and demand the restoration of basic facilities,” said Dr Santosh Kumar Sil, General Secretary of the SKMU Teachers Association.
Call for leave facilities for Need-Based teachers and promotions
The association also demanded equal leave benefits for “Need-Based” teachers, similar to those of regular faculty members. They emphasized the need for special leave provisions for women teachers. Dr Santosh Sil noted that teachers opposed the reduction in leave allowances and requested that Earned Leave and Casual Leave be granted at par with other universities in the state.
Additionally, the association expressed concern over delays in teacher promotions and requested the Chief Minister’s intervention to expedite the process, ensuring teachers become eligible for higher positions.
Other demands
The meeting presided over by SKMUTA Vice-President Dr. Vinay Kumar Sinha, also called for an increase in haltage allowances and on-the-spot payment of evaluation honorarium. The association recognized all teachers’ bodies within the university as official units of SKMU.
The gathering concluded with remarks from several speakers, including Dr. Shambhu Kumar Singh, who welcomed participants, and Dr. Sujit Kumar Soren, who conducted the meeting. Other notable speakers included Dr. Sidam Singh Munda and Dr. Sharmila Soren.
General Secretary Dr Santosh Kumar Sil put up the agenda of the meeting for discussion.
