BHAGALPUR: More than 300 teachers and scientists of Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) went on a two-day hunger strike against the authorities from Friday.
The hunger strike was called by Progressive Teachers’ Association (PTA) and Sabour Agricultural University Teachers’ Association (SAUTA) against the inordinate delay in promotion under Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) of 2006 and alleged nepotism prevailing in BAU.
The PTA and SAUTA alleged that promotion of BAU teachers has been pending for the last 15 years and the authorities are indifferent towards their genuine demands for over a decade. The PTA and SAUTA members allege that the BAU authorities have indulged in violation of some statutory provisions and regulations for promotion, whereas some junior scientists and officials are given more than one responsibilities.
PTA secretary Hidyatullah Mir said the teachers and scientists are on peaceful hunger strike for their fundamental rights of getting timely promotion. “The delay is intentional in order to debar the eligible candidates from becoming a part of the administration,” Mir said.
Abhay Mankar, secretary of SAUTA, alleged that the 15 years’ delay in promotion in accordance with the CAS is with malafide intention and compelled more than 300 teachers to form a coordination committee to fight for their justified demands.
Dr Rambalak Prasad Nirala, president of SAUTA, said the two-day hunger strike is part of the series of peaceful protests.
BAU authorities could not be contacted for their comments on the stir.
