The teachers of Punjabi University, Patiala, organised a mass dharna in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday.

The teachers have demanded the immediate implementation of the new UGC pay scales. The teachers said it was surprising that the Punjab government is reluctant to implement the new scales even though 80 per cent of the burden of the new pay scales has to be shared by the Central government.

“Moreover, the state government will gain a sufficient amount in the form of income tax from the centre,” said the teachers.

The speakers cautioned the state government that if the government failed to implement the new scales in time, the agitation will be intensified. The PFUCTO has already resolved to start a 72-hour bandh from March 3, 2009.