Editor,
Arunachal Pradesh is witnessing the proliferation of private universities, which is a positive development as it provides opportunities for youth to pursue higher education. It also generates employment for the youth of the state. However, such positive developments should not become platforms for injustice especially, when tribal indigenous youth are employed in these institutions.
When a state assembly passes a bill that receives assent from the Governor, it grants approval for private universities to be established. In India, to run a university, it is mandatory to comply with the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
This is not the first time this daily has raised concerns about the injustice faced by tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh who are employed as assistant professors in private universities established in the state.
Private universities in Arunachal Pradesh are paying salaries based on identity. Employees are aware of the existing practices where those with tribal identities face discrimination-not only in terms of salary but also in other allowances. There is a significant salary gap. Non-tribal employees are paid handsomely, enjoy higher allowances, and often receive salary hikes based on negotiation. Meanwhile, tribal employees, even with NET and Ph.D. degrees, earn between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 26,000 as their basic salary, while non-tribal employees, even without a NET or Ph.D., often earn Rs. 40,000 and above, with additional allowances.
This disparity is deeply painful especially, when both groups possess equal degrees, experience, and academic credentials. The UGC, a statutory body that ensures the standard of teaching and research in universities, mandates that assistant professors should receive a salary range between Rs.45,000 and Rs. 65,000, including TA, DA, and HRA. However, such implementation remains a distant dream in Arunachal Pradesh.
Before India gained independence, the country endured discrimination under British rule. The “Divide and Rule” policy left an enduring scar that continues to affect us today. For example, Indian soldiers were never promoted to higher ranks, and Indian employees were denied allowances and emoluments. Sadly, even today, after celebrating 76 years of independence, discrimination, inequality, and injustice persist within our own country. These issues continue to prevail in private universities in Arunachal Pradesh.
It is alarming to note that many private universities in Arunachal Pradesh offer law degrees, where students enroll to learn about their rights and fight against injustice. Yet, the very law teachers who should be advocating for justice and claiming their rights are left to endure such discrimination.
Discrimination based on identity, caste, or creed is a violation of the right to equality under Article 14 and the right against exploitation under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Furthermore, the private universities in Arunachal Pradesh are not only violating these fundamental rights but are also contravening the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, which was enacted by Parliament to prevent atrocities and hate crimes against SCs and STs.
When such inequalities and injustices are inflicted upon tribal teachers in private universities, how can these institutions expect to foster quality education?
Arunachal Pradesh has a commission called the Arunachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission (APPEIRC), which was established in 2017 to ensure appropriate standards for admission, teaching, examination, research, and the protection of student interests. The commission is well aware of the salary discrimination among assistant professors in private universities. The question is: why has the commission not taken action by writing to the relevant authorities to address this issue and ensure compliance with UGC guidelines? Despite the issue being raised multiple times in The Arunachal Times, by the executive members of the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), and even by Ph.D. scholars and the editor of the Arunachal Times, no authority has yet addressed this chronic issue.
It may also be noted that some private universities in Arunachal Pradesh have not implemented leave policies. Those with good relations with the HR department can avail of leave without salary deductions, while dedicated employees who lack such connections face arbitrary salary cuts. The authorities must direct private universities to establish clear leave policies and ensure they are followed.
Furthermore, the authorities should ensure that salary structures are clearly stated in job advertisements for assistant professors.
It is also imperative to note that most private universities in Arunachal Pradesh are not disbursing salaries on time. Employees often face delays, and sometimes arbitrary salary deductions occur. While it is commendable to provide gifts during festive seasons, it is unacceptable to deduct more from employees’ salaries than the value of those gifts.
RTI activists can play a significant role in ensuring transparency and accountability. Information should be sought to ensure justice for the victims, and it should not simply be subject to negotiation. Most RTI activists in the region are practicing advocates who could file Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to address this injustice.
According to an RTI report, some private universities are operating without the presence of a Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) or a Finance Officer (FO), whose roles are crucial in regulating payments and receipts. Without these officers stationed at the main campus, it becomes difficult for employees to file grievances regarding arbitrary salary deductions. This situation mirrors the British Crown’s attempts to control India without understanding the realities on the ground.
It is high time for the concerned authorities to wake up and take necessary action to address these issues and ensure that private universities in Arunachal Pradesh comply with UGC guidelines and stop subjecting tribal indigenous employees to unfair treatment.
Jumge Pale,
Managing Director-cum-Editor in Chief, Arunachal Informer