Rajya Sabha on Tuesday brought the government’s concern to the subject of pensions for retired Delhi University teachers. The issue was raised by Rakesh Sinha, BJP’s MP who is also an associate professor at DU.
Background
The teaching and non-teaching staff of the university were given the option of receiving a pension in 1987, under the 4th Pay Commission. Certain teachers opted for pension, however, a large number of teachers applied to shift from lump-sum retirement scheme to the pension scheme after 1987.
It has been almost 5 years since UGC stopped giving pension to those Delhi University teachers who applied for pension scheme after 1987. UGC justified its decision by stating that DU did not seek permission to allow its employees to shift to the pension scheme post-1987.
The most affected 
Non-teaching staff who comprise 30% of the retired employees are the worst sufferers. Low wages lead to their overall poor financial condition. Those employees who were single-earners in their families are finding it difficult to make their ends meet.
Moreover, some families are facing atrocities due to denial of pension. “Dewan Singh was a friend and a colleague who died after his retirement. His wife is suffering from cancer. Their only son is breaking his back to get his mother treated,” Ashok Sharma, a retired admin officer said.
DUTA’s stand¬†
Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) filed a petition in the Delhi High Court but they are not satisfied by the judgment. Around 600 teachers who spent their lives serving the university are living under extremely difficult conditions. Furthermore, DUTA’s letters to the university Vice-Chancellor have been unanswered.
This issue is deeply saddening. Teachers spend decades in a college and they should definitely get the government’s support in times of crisis. Comment your thoughts below!