Stir by Maharashtra College, University teachers begins

The Maharashtra Federation of College and University Teachers Organization (MFUCTO), which has called the statewide 'boycott' after the state government failed to meet their long-pending demands, said the teachers will not withdraw the stir till the government comes to a negotiated settlement with it.

Key demands include regularising the NET/SET affected teachers appointed between 1991 and 2000 and payment of 80 per cent arrears under the Sixth Pay Commission's recommendations.

Examination work across state universities and colleges is expected to be hit owing to the statewide agitation.

The teachers will abstain from setting questionnaires, charting timetables and conducting practical tests as well as theory examination for universities as well as colleges.

"Contract teachers are also joining our agitation over their demands," claimed Madhu Paranjape, Secretary of the Bombay University and College Teachers Union (BUCTU) which is also joining the stir.

A 13-point charter of demands was submitted to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Governor K Sankaranarayanan and the higher and technical education department by MFUCTO.