State govt to rein in misuse of FIP

Thiruvananthapuram: State government has introduced a set of strict norms applicable to government and aided college teachers wanting to join University Grants Commission’s Faculty Improvement Programme (FIP) meant for mid-career improvement studies and research leading to award of PhD.
Widespread misuse of the three-year deputation period that faculties are entitled to avail for improving their academic abilities is what prompted the government to come out with new guidelines.
As per the scheme, faculties can avail leave (deputation) up to three years for pursuing FIP.
According to the government order in this regard, no faculty above the age of 45 years would be eligible to join the FIP programme. As per the order, teachers flouting the norms would be liable to pay back to the government the salary they had drawn during the course period. They would also be liable to pay the money the government had spent for making ad hoc arrangements during their absence in the college. The money should be paid with interest rate, as fixed by the government. The faculties can either pay the money as lump sum or else it would be deducted from their salary in instalments.
“Deputation of teachers under faculty improvement programme involves substantial expenditure of public money. However, it has come to the notice of government that the Teacher Fellows who are joining faculty improvement programme of the university grants commission after enjoying/availing UGC benefits, leave the programme midway or do not submit their thesis in time and in certain cases, fail to render the compulsory service to the institution concerned immediately on return from deputation. This does not achieve the objective of faculty improvement programme. Due to non-settlement of liabilities of FIP by the Teacher Fellows as per the terms of the programme, the state/institution concerned loses both in terms of the expenditure incurred as well as on the benefit/service received. This cannot be justified in any manner,” the order by higher education principal secretary Usha Titus said.
Since long, the state government insists that teachers availing FIP should sign a bond, according to which the faculty would have to pay back penalties if they fail to complete the course in time or violate other conditions.
“But, very seldom the conditions in the bond could deter faculties from misusing FIP. Often, violators escape disciplinary action by paying a small sum as penalty. In fact, the programme is known as ‘family improvement programme’ among teachers. Government cannot be blamed for taking steps to ensure accountability of teachers availing the programme,”said a college teachers' association officer bearer, on condition of anonymity.
As per the fresh conditions, the faculties, in case of their failing to submit the thesis report even six months after the deputation period, will be liable to pay the entire amount drawn by way of pay and allowance during the fellowship period plus contingency grant and the salary paid to the substitute, together with interest for the entire among at government rates and pay a penalty of Rs 25,000.
“Further salary should be drawn only after deducting the said amount, in equal monthly instalments,” the order said.