Degrees of disillusionment in Tamil Nadu’s government colleges, universities

The ongoing upheaval among faculty members in Tamil Nadu's government colleges and universities for over two years paints a concerning picture of the state of higher education and employee welfare in the region. This prolonged agitation, marked by demands for fair pay, timely promotions, regularization of temporary staff, and the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), is not an isolated incident but a reflection of deeper systemic issues plaguing public sector employment and education across India.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Historically, higher education in India has been a joint responsibility, with states playing a crucial role in establishing and funding universities and colleges, while the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the central government sets standards and provides grants. Faculty salaries are often linked to UGC pay scales, implemented by states. However, financial constraints and differing priorities have led to discrepancies and delays. The current agitation in Tamil Nadu stems from a cocktail of long-standing grievances. Faculty members are demanding a fair pay scale, which implies adherence to or revision based on UGC recommendations, along with the timely release of pending increments and promotions that have reportedly been stalled. A significant demand is the regularisation of services for a large number of part-time and temporary employees, who often work for years with precarious job security and fewer benefits. The restoration of special pay provisions, which might have been withdrawn or reduced, also forms part of their demands. However, the most contentious issue is undoubtedly the revival of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which was replaced by the National Pension System (NPS) for new recruits from January 1, 2004, by the Central Government, and subsequently adopted by many states, including Tamil Nadu.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

1. **Faculty Members and their Associations:** These are the primary agitators, representing professors, assistant professors, and lecturers across various government colleges and universities. Their collective bargaining power is channelled through various unions and associations, articulating their demands and organizing protests.

2. **Tamil Nadu State Government:** As the employer and primary funding body for these institutions, the state government, particularly the Department of Higher Education and the Finance Department, is the key decision-maker. They are responsible for implementing pay scales, managing promotions, and deciding on pension policies. Their fiscal capacity and political will are crucial for resolving the crisis.

3. **Students:** While not directly involved in the protests, students are significantly impacted. Disruptions due to faculty agitations can affect academic schedules, quality of teaching, and overall learning environment.

4. **UGC (University Grants Commission):** Although the immediate dispute is with the state government, UGC plays a role in setting academic standards and recommended pay scales for university and college teachers, often influencing state decisions.

**Why This Matters for India and Historical Context:**

This issue has profound implications for India. Firstly, the quality of higher education is directly linked to faculty morale and welfare. Demotivated teachers, struggling with financial insecurity or delayed career progression, are less likely to engage effectively in teaching and research, potentially leading to a decline in academic standards. This affects India's human capital development and its competitiveness on a global stage. Secondly, the demand for OPS revival is a pan-India phenomenon. Several states, including Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, have already reverted to OPS or announced their intention to do so. This creates a significant fiscal challenge for state governments, as OPS is a 'defined benefit' scheme, meaning the government bears the entire pension liability, which can swell to unsustainable levels over time. In contrast, NPS is a 'defined contribution' scheme, where both employee and employer contribute, and benefits are market-linked. The shift to NPS in 2004 was primarily aimed at reducing the burgeoning pension burden on government exchequers. Reverting to OPS can severely strain state finances, diverting funds from crucial development projects. This highlights a critical aspect of fiscal federalism in India, where states balance employee welfare with financial prudence. Historically, pay commissions (like the 7th Central Pay Commission) have periodically revised salaries and allowances for government employees, but states often face delays or difficulties in implementing these due to financial constraints.

**Future Implications and Constitutional References:**

The immediate future could see continued protests if the demands are not met, potentially escalating into strikes that further disrupt academic activities. The Tamil Nadu government faces the challenge of balancing employee demands with fiscal realities, especially concerning the OPS. A potential compromise could involve exploring hybrid pension models or other non-monetary benefits. The long-term implications include a potential decline in the attractiveness of teaching professions in government institutions if conditions remain unaddressed, leading to a 'brain drain' towards private institutions or other sectors. This would further exacerbate the existing faculty shortage in public universities.

From a constitutional perspective, education falls under the **Concurrent List (Entry 25)** of the Seventh Schedule, meaning both the Union and State governments can legislate on it. However, **Entry 66 of the Union List** gives the Union government powers for "coordination and determination of standards in institutions for higher education or research and scientific and technical institutions." This dual responsibility often leads to policy overlaps and implementation challenges. Articles related to public service, such as **Articles 309-311**, govern the recruitment and conditions of service of persons serving the Union or a State. The Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly **Article 41** (Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases) and **Article 43** (Living wage, etc., for workers), underscore the state's responsibility towards employee welfare. The **UGC Act, 1956**, empowers the UGC to determine and maintain standards of university education, including recommendations on faculty salaries. The debate over OPS vs. NPS also touches upon the broader policy of social security and public finance, impacting state budgets and long-term economic stability.