Punjab restrained from hiring Assistant Professors in government colleges

Chandigarh, December 4

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has restrained Punjab from going ahead with the recruitment of Assistant Professors in government colleges. The direction came as the Bench termed as “wholly arbitrary and discriminatory” the decision to grant weightage in lieu of work experience only to the guest faculty, part-timers and contract teachers working in “government colleges of Punjab”. The order will remain in force till the next date of hearing, at least.

The matter was brought to Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu’s notice after a bunch of petitions were filed by Kulwinder Singh and other petitioners. They were represented by advocate Gaurav Chopra, counsel Anurag Chopra and Jagtar Singh Sidhu.

The Bench was told a decision was taken to fill 1,158 posts in different subjects for government colleges. Justice Sindhu asserted it was the respondents’ prime duty to attract the best talent in the interest of the students and the community at large.

Initially, the government vide memo dated October 18 decided to grant maximum five marks weightage in lieu of work experience to part-time, guest faculty and contract teachers working in “government-run colleges”.

“There is no option except to restrain the respondents till the next date of hearing from proceeding with the matter while taking shelter under the clarification dated November 28…,” Justice Sindhu added. — TNS