Dr Kingra breaks fast, 'education bandh' to continue

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 8

After getting assurance from the state government that their issues would be resolved, Dr HS Kingra of the Punjab Federation of University and College Teachers’ Organisations (PFUCTO) broke his fast here today.

Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu visited the PAUand offered a glass of juice to Dr Kingra to give up his fast. Assuring his full support to teachers Ashu promised that he, along with Education Minister Pargat Singh, would vigorously pursue the matter.

Dr Jagwant Singh, general secretary of the organisation, said last evening, a deputation of the PFUCTO met Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, along with Education Minister Pargat Singh and Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, and apprised him of the pending issues of teachers of universities and colleges in the state.

He said their twin demands were the implementation of the Seventh UGC Pay Scales and withdrawal of the government decision to delink from the UGC pay scales as the same was in conflict with the commission regulations, which had the status of central law.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Cabinet Ministers Pargat Singh and BB Ashu discussed the matter with senior officials of the government, he added. After meeting, the two ministers were confident that the matter will be resolved soon, he said. They also expressed concern about Dr HS Kingra’s health,” he added.

Respecting their feelings, it was decided that Dr Kingra would be requested to discontinue his indefinite fast, he said. However, ‘education bandh’ would continue till demands tooks a concrete shape, he added.