Srinagar, Nov 29 (KNS): The teaching fraternity of twin universities of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday thanked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his announcement about the enhancement in the age of superannuation of teaching fraternity.
In a joint statement issued by teaching fraternity of Kashmir University and Jammu University, it said that the decision was awaited since 2007 when the then union Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, enhanced the age of superannuation from 62 to 65 years for teaching positions in centrally funded institutions in higher and technical education institutions.
“University Grants Commission (UGC) Committee in its report has also strongly recommended an increase in the age of superannuation of teachers to 65 years throughout the country in both State and Central Universities. The Committee reached this conclusion after an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of the matter,” it reads.
It added that The Economic Survey report for 2018-19 also recommended increase in the retirement age considering the declining fertility rate and increased life expectancy. It stated that the services of healthier faculty beyond the age of 62 years needs to be better utilized because of the investments that have been made on them by the State during their studies, research career and for their capacity building.
“This decision is also far-reaching since it addresses the disparity that existed in the age of superannuation of teachers in the Central and State Universities in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir despite similar recruitment, promotion and workload. This disparity was discouraging very qualified and well-trained faculty from joining the State universities at higher positions,” it reads.
“This decision would also go a long way in addressing the shortage of senior-level faculty in the universities towards which the Lieutenant Governor alluded during his address in the inaugural function of the Annual Youth Festival `Sonzal-2022′ at the University of Kashmir. It would not only benefit the institution in securing better NIRF, QS rankings and financial support from various funding agencies, but would be equally beneficial to students who despite having qualified Junior Research Fellowship/National Eligibility Test for Lectureship are unable to pursue research due to lack of supervisors and vacancies,” it added. (KNS)