JNU teachers demand simplified promotion rules, better infra

Simplified rules of promotion, better infrastructure, health and housing facilities and transparency in university matters are among a slew of demands put forth by teachers of JNU to its vice-chancellor.
In a 13-point charter, submitted recently by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) to Vice-Chancellor S K Sopory, the teacher's body has also suggested formation of a new committee called 'Planning for Campus Development'.
This is the second such charter after the one submitted by JNUTA in October.
The charter demands the need for simplified rules of promotion, better healthcare services for members including retired professors, issue of Contributory Provident Fund (CPF)-General Provident Fund (GPF), among others.

"On promotion rules we demand that rules be simplified and clear guidelines be issued. JNU rules and the combined rules of the old and new UGC Regulations are creating much confusion and need rationalisation," JNUTA President Arun Kumar said.
The association also alleged unhygienic conditions at infrastructural facilities in the campus, such as the shopping complex, and called for its revamp.

Among others, the charter demands for more public toilets, better signage, creation of sports and physical fitness apparatus on the campus.
On CPF-GPF issues, the association has urged the vice- chancellor to have the university formulate its position after consultation with the lawyers and JNUTA representatives and on the basis of the High Court judgement in a similar case in April 2014, Kumar said in a statement.

"We recommend laying emphasis on rainwater harvesting to address water shortage on campus," he added.
In its previous charter submitted to the vice-chancellor in October, the JNUTA had alleged that the JNU was facing "structural problems" and had demanded immediate action on issues relating to university's academic environment, pension, traffic on campus, among others.