LUDHIANA: Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) teachers joined protest in the University campus against recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission during a protest call given by various Punjab veterinary and medical associations.
During demonstration, teachers argued that the reduction of non-practice allowance (NPA) shows the anti-employee mind-set of present government. GADVASU Teachers association expressed dismay over the state government’s move to reduce NPA of veterinarians, medicos and other doctors along with delinking it from basic pay structure. Executive took a strong note of the government’s move to reduce existing NPA from 25 percent to 20 percent. Furthermore, the government delinked the NPA to be a part of salary for calculation of other allowances and post retirement pensionary benefits.
They argued that inspite of honouring the doctors for working hard in Corona times, the government has played a cruel joke by reducing their allowances. Veterinary clinicians serve the poorest of poor in the society and reducing their pay show anti-poor nature of this government. The government must not forget that professionals in veterinary field are granted NPA due to their late entry to service owing to extended period of studies as compared to non-medical professionals.
There is a strong wave of resentment in Veterinary faculty and Veterinary fraternity throughout Punjab is gearing up for a protest at state level. GADVASU Teachers association hoped that good sense will prevail in the government and warned the government to suspend clinical and teaching work against implementation of such anti-employee recommendations.