MUTA stages 'wake-up' VC protest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2014:
Decrying alleged lack of compassion and initiative by the Vice Chancellor to redress various issues hampering academic environment of Manipur University (MU), members of MU Teachers' Association (MUTA) today staged sit-in-protest at the varsity campus as part of its ceasework strike.
In pursuit of various demands, including filling up of vacant post of faculty members and provision of basic infrastructure, MUTA launched ceasework strike since February 1 .
While the current agita-tion would continue till Fe- bruary 7 further course of action would be finalised at a meeting scheduled on February 10, said a MUTA member at the protest venue.
According to MUTA president Prof Maibam Ranjit the VC is yet to initiate any positive action on various ills afflicting the university inspite of MUTA reportedly appraising the VC on numerous occasions.
Among others MUTA is said to be demanding appointing of statutory as well as non-statutory posts such as Pro-VC, finance officer, controller of examination and college development director, implementation of higher academic grade pay-scale, furniture provision for new faculty members, provide 'seed money' as per UGC norms to faculty members intending for pursue further research, ensure uniform service and fundamental rules, strengthen existing departments through appointment of adequate staff members, upgrade internet facilities and ensure uniform honora-rium/pay to all re-employed teachers, visiting professors/fellows/part time/guest lecturers as per UGC norms.
Elaborating of the MUTA demands, Prof Ranjit conveyed that absence of basic infrastructure in teachers' rooms and holding back 'seed money' for research works had been having demoralising affect on the faculty members.
Despite years after MU became a central university unreliable internet facility still remaining the hallmark has been impeding the both the faculty members and the students from accessing important information and academic updating, he maintained.