South Gujarat College and University Teachers' Association (SGCUTA) has criticised what it calls an attempt by the vice-chancellor and the Syndicate to create division among teachers. The provocation is the appointment of a committee by the Syndicate to go into the terms of the agreement.

In its last meeting, the Syndicate authorised Kapadia to appoint the committee and give representation to all the three teachers associations, including the breakaway group Science Teachers Association (STA). SGCUTA feels STA may create problems and influence the committee's report.

SGCUTA is fearing that given its proximity to the vice-chancellor, STA will maintain that it is happy with the old rates of remuneration.

SGCUTA Secretary D J Vasavada told Express Newsline that the Syndicate's action was tantamount to backing out from the deal. To begin with, the agreement was not listed on the agenda of the Syndicate's first meeting after June 9, when the compromise was struck. It was not there even the second time around but STA ensured that it was listed on the agenda, he claimed.

The agitation lingered because the vice-chancellor was not interested in holding negotiations with the agitating teachers and when a compromise was struck, the issue is far from over. Now that the supporters of the vice-chancellor dominate the Syndicate, efforts will be made to delay the benefits of the agreement from reaching the teachers, a member alleged.

Science teachers had submitted answerscripts defying SGCUTA's mandate when the agitation was on. The same teachers will ensure the defeat of the compromise formula, a SGCUTA member said, alleging that Science teachers were being instigated by the V-C.

When the call for agitation was given by SGCUTA; its members agitated; SGCUTA was present during compromise; where was the scope for Science teachers or their association, SGCUTA observed questioning their locus standi.

For all this, Kapadia is yet to constitute the committee. When asked what step would it take should STA's representative was included in the committee despite its opposition, Vasavada said the decision would be taken by the executive council.