Assam: Non-teaching staff forum demands job regularization

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The All Assam Joint Forum of Non-Teaching Employees (2021-22-23 category) has issued a strong call for the immediate regularization of thousands of non-teaching posts across the state’s educational institutions. Representing staff from provincialized graduate colleges to upper primary schools, the forum accused the government of long-standing neglect and systemic apathy towards their service rights.

The forum vehemently criticized the Assam Education (Provincialization of Services of Non-Teaching Staff of Venture Educational Institutions) Act, 2018, along with its subsequent amendments, claiming the legislation has fecilitated privatization rather than safeguarding the future of non-teaching staff.

Among the key demands raised are the regularization of 3,189 non-teaching positions, the disbursement of Rs 10 lakh in gratuity to the families of deceased employees, and the timely promotion of eligible staff, particularly library and laboratory assistants, to full-time roles.

Forum general secretary Mahidul Kabir issued a stern warning: “We are no longer in a position to wait indefinitely. If the government fails to take the necessary steps to regularize and protect our rights, we will be compelled to take extreme steps in the interest of our community. This is not a threat — it is a desperate cry for justice.”

The forum also voiced frustration over the lack of University Grants Commission (UGC)-equivalent recognition for their roles, despite many non-teaching employees possessing the necessary qualifications and having demonstrated years of dedicated service.

 Also Read: Assam: Retention of 35,530 posts of teaching and non-teaching staff in state

Also Watch: