Non-teaching staff of universities, colleges warn of strike from May 14

Amravati: The Maharashtra State University and College Employees Joint Action Committee has taken an aggressive stance to draw govt's attention to the long-pending demands of non-teaching staff of non-agricultural universities and affiliated colleges across the state, including Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University. The committee has warned of a phased statewide agitation starting May 14.The committee members held a meeting at the Amravati University senate hall on Monday. The meeting was addressed by Ajay Deshmukh, coordinator of the Joint Action Committee and president of the Maharashtra University Employees Federation. Also present were general secretary Narendra Ghatol, vice president of the University Officers Forum Mangesh Warkhede, secretary Vilas Nandurkar, and divisional working president Dnyaneshwar Baraskar. Many office bearers of the university and college employee unions were present on this occasion.Despite repeated memorandums and discussions with the govt regarding basic demands of non-teaching staff, no concrete decision has been taken. Now, the employees will not remain silent until a decision is made, said Deshmukh.This agitation is likely to affect the academic and examination work of universities. Copies of the memorandum have been sent to the chief minister, deputy chief ministers, and minister of higher and technical education. KEY DEMANDSImmediate implementation of the Assured Career Progression Scheme due after 10, 20, and 30 years of service as per the 7th Pay CommissionFull implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for non-teaching staff in state public universitiesImplementation of the Old Pension Scheme for employees whose recruitment advertisement process was completed before 2005 Payment of leave encashment to retired non-teaching staff based on final salary as per the 7th Pay CommissionImmediate approval to fill vacant non-teaching posts in non-agricultural universities and affiliated collegesRestoration of leave encashment benefits for laboratory assistants and laboratory attendants in university academic departments