*Teaching staff initiates hunger strike
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI Mar 3: The Vice Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), Prof. Jawaid Iqbal, has provided clarification regarding the recent suspension of an employee, stating that the action was in accordance with established procedures and stemmed from multiple complaints dating back to 2021.
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During a press conference today, Prof. Iqbal reiterated that the suspension was not a random decision but rather a necessity due to non-adherence to institutional standards. He assured that an impartial inquiry is currently in progress, and the individual involved will have the opportunity to present their case once the inquiry concludes.
He clarified that there is no active teaching association at the university, as their term has expired. Additionally, he confirmed that classes are ongoing, and the university operations are running without interruption.
Prof. Iqbal urged faculty members to follow institutional guidelines instead of resorting to pressure tactics, underscoring that the university’s advancement is the main concern. “We are not opposed to teachers; our aim is to ensure the university moves forward, but adherence to regulations is crucial,” he stated.
In the meantime, protests have persisted at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) in Rajouri, where the teaching staff has commenced a hunger strike against the suspension of Dr. Parvez Abdullah, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management Studies and the president of the Teachers’ Association.
Dr. Abdullah was recently suspended and reassigned to the Nursing College of BGSBU in Kishtwar, an action that faculty members regard as a targeted measure against advocates of employees’ rights. The university employees previously issued an ultimatum demanding the cancellation of his suspension, but after receiving no response from the administration, the hunger strike commenced on campus.
Staff members argue that his suspension is a consequence of his efforts to address long-standing issues faced by university employees, including a lack of promotions for over 25 years and various administrative matters. He claims that his quest for justice for his colleagues has led to retaliatory measures against him.
Tensions are escalating as students and faculty members await further updates, with the protest gaining traction within the academic community.
