Prestigious St Bede’s College’s both teaching as well as non-teaching staff has gone on strike over provident fund (PF) issue. College management has reduced PF to a Rs 780 from the 12 per cent of their salary.
However, management has termed the teachers’ action as unjustified, illegal and irrational. Management alleged that these agitated staff knows it very well and it could have been enforced in 2008 itself when the Centre notification, fixing PF at Rs 780 was issued, but college continued paying the enhanced PF from their own kitty, which was almost Rs 35 lakh per annum. And now as college is reeling under financial crunches this decision has taken.
Right now issue doesn’t seem to end immediately as communication between teachers and the management seems to be closed as neither side willing to relent. Management firm on its decision and ruled out any possibility of rethinking or going back on the PF decision. Whereas on the other side the teachers too are adamant on their demands, which they call legitimate right as they point out that they are governed by the HP University Statutes and not the Jesus and Mary Congregation Rules. These agitated teachers alleged that even after the government fixation of grant-in-aid in 2008 at 95 per cent, the management has refused them many benefits like DA, enhanced house rent and medical allowance and now with PF row they are too not willing to give up.
This is first time in the 108-year-old history St Bede’s College when such strike are taking place, which is hindering due to the strike and unfortunately it is affecting 850 students.
