PUTA Election: PTF releases 31-Point manifesto, opposes changes in promotion policy; receives strong support from teacher
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ March 22,2026
The Progressive Teachers’ Front (PTF), in its election manifesto, has pledged to fight at every level to safeguard the interests of teachers. During the ongoing elections, the Front has received overwhelming support from university teachers, who have also expressed confidence in ensuring a decisive majority victory for the PTF.
While releasing its manifesto, the Progressive Teachers’ Front stated that it will fight for every issue concerning teachers and will firmly protect their rights. All members of the PTF strongly opposed the decision to alter the due dates of promotions for both currently serving and previously promoted teachers. The Front also strongly condemned the university administration’s decision to apply new promotion-related guidelines to already submitted cases and demanded that these guidelines be withdrawn immediately.
The leaders of the Front warned the Vice-Chancellor that any arbitrary action regarding promotions, in violation of UGC norms, will not be tolerated. The PTF also distributed its 31-point election manifesto. The key points include:
- Restoration of PUTA’s past prestige and a committed struggle for safeguarding teachers’ rights, along with regular General House and Executive meetings as per university norms.
- Release of pending dues under the Seventh Pay Commission (from January 1, 2016) and payment of DA installments as per the Supreme Court decision.
- Timely promotions under CAS as per UGC norms, continuation of promotion processes, and an end to arbitrary administrative decisions; release of all related arrears.
- Efforts to secure university grants and maintain autonomy.
- Immediate release of pending DA, Ph.D. increments, and other dues.
- Implementation of court orders related to dues/benefits for all teachers.
- Deposit of NPS deductions (before April 2019) into proper accounts and ensuring timely future deposits.
- Introduction of a clear re-employment policy for retiring teachers.
- Removal of unjust conditions affecting Assistant Professors appointed on the basis of Ph.D. eligibility.
- A transparent transfer policy for teachers.
- Ensuring timely salary and pension disbursement before the 5th of every month.
- Increase in earned leave from 240 to 300 days.
- Implementation of the old pension scheme for eligible teachers appointed before 8.7.2012.
- Efforts to extend the old pension scheme to teachers appointed after 9.7.2012.
- Appointment of training and placement officers for professional courses.
- Filling vacant posts and regularization of ad hoc teachers.
- Recognition of past service for service benefits.
- Improved necessary facilities for women teachers.
- Implementation of file indexing and online tracking systems.
- Improvement and maintenance of sanitation facilities.
- Ensuring clean drinking water in all departments.
- Maintenance and funding for infrastructure across campuses and colleges.
- Simplification of research project processes and provision of at least ₹1 lakh research grants.
- Continuation and improvement of gate pass facilities.
- Transparent implementation of sabbatical leave rules.
- Restoration of travel grants for seminars/conferences.
- Restoration of LTC facility.
- Faster processing of medical reimbursements and improvement in medical facilities.
- Rational allocation of space across departments.
- Implementation of rules to eliminate surplus administrative posts.
- Timely release of retirement benefits.
The PTF candidates include Dr. Nishan Singh Deol for President, Dr. Gurjeet Singh Bhathal for Vice-President, Dr. Avneetpal Singh for Secretary, and Dr. Amarpreet Singh for Joint Secretary. Additionally, Dr. Jagtar Singh, Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, and Dr. Charanjit Singh are contesting for Executive Member positions.
