Patna: Patna High Court has given a relief decision for teachers working in private recognized degree colleges in Bihar. The court, while rejecting the two appeals of the state government, has given clear instructions that salaries, allowances and retirement benefits should be provided to qualified teachers before 19 April 2007 as per UGC pay scale. This decision is being considered as a milestone in the education world.

A division bench of Executive Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Judge Partha Sarathi, while hearing the matter, said that the state government should issue necessary grants to the respective universities within three months, so that teachers can get dues on time.

Government's arguments rejected

The state government had argued in the court that the amendment made in Section 57-A of Bihar University Act, 1976 in 2015 should only benefit teachers of colleges receiving 'performance grants'. But the court rejected this argument and said that this is a discriminatory thinking and is against the basic objectives of education policy.

Regular appointment, still deprived of profit

These teachers were appointed by the governing body of colleges and later appointed regularly through the selection committee constituted at the college level. Despite this, a large number of teachers were deprived of basic benefits like salary and pension. The court admitted that these private colleges were established due to the policy of not opening new colleges by the state government. These include qualified faculty members and it is mandatory to include them in the state's higher education system.

Retired teachers will also get benefit

The court gave clear instructions that teachers who have retired from service will also get pension and other retirement benefits. For this, a limit of three months has been fixed giving adequate time to the government, so that the financial process can be completed and ensured payment.