State varsity teachers protest against governor’s leave curtailment order

Ranchi: Teachers of state universities on Monday staged a demonstration at Raj Bhavan, Ranchi University (RU) and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) to oppose the curtailment of their holidays during the calendar year.
According to an order issued by the Governor’s secretariat on May 16, state universities are permitted to declare uniform summer vacation for 20 days, Durga Puja holiday for six days and autumn vacation, which includes Diwali and Chhath, for 12 days.
The universities can declare five days of restricted holidays on account of local festivals. The vice-chancellors have been asked to implement the directions strictly.
The RU and DSPMU teachers gathered at DSPMU at around 2:30 pm and shouted slogans demanding amendment of the order.
Subsequently, they came to RU where they staged a protest before vice-chancellor (VC) Ajit Kumar Sinha, demanding at least 40 days summer leave.
Professor Kanjiv Lochan, who took part in the protests, said, “The RU VC said that universities cannot defy the orders of the Governor. A group of 65 teachers then reached the Raj Bhavan at around 5 pm and staged a demonstration. We have sought an appointment from the Governor at around 10.30 am on Tuesday.”