The Chandigarh Aided College Teachers’ Association (CACTA) has officially announced an escalation of their agitation due to the continued delay in the UGC Regulations 2018 Implementation and the release of long-pending service benefits. Notably, the association described the Chandigarh Administration’s inaction as “deliberate and unjustified” during a press conference held on December 25, 2025. This decision follows years of administrative ambiguity despite a clear directive from the Union Home Ministry in 2022.
News at a Glance
| Subject of Announcement | UGC Regulations 2018 & Pending Service Benefits |
| Concerned Authority | Chandigarh Administration (UT) |
| Effective Date/Agitation Start | Next Academic Session (2026) |
| Key Impact | 125+ Teachers across Privately Managed Aided Colleges |
| Official Website Link | chdeducation.gov.in |
Latest Update & Context
The conflict centers on the failure of the UT administration to enforce mandatory University Grants Commission (UGC) norms for faculty in privately managed government-aided colleges. Specifically, CACTA asserts that since Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s 2022 announcement that Chandigarh would follow central government policies, there should be no scope for procedural confusion.
In response to this stalemate, Panjab University (PU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Renu Vig has also intervened, writing to the Chandigarh Finance and Education Secretaries to seek stricter enforcement of these regulations. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that these regulations are binding for all institutions receiving government aid to ensure academic consistency.
Key Changes & Important Highlights
- CAS Promotions: Immediate implementation of Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions effective retrospectively from July 18, 2018.
- DA Enhancement: Release of enhanced Dearness Allowance (DA) scheduled for January 2025.
- HRA Revision: Demand for a 20% House Rent Allowance to match government college standards.
- Probation Rules: Requirement for a one-year probation period with full salary disbursement.
- Superannuation Age: Enhancement of the retirement age in alignment with central UGC norms.
- Agitation Roadmap: Planned mass protests at the Chandigarh Secretariat and a march to the Governor House.
Expert Commentary / Future Outlook
The current standoff poses a significant threat to the academic stability of Chandigarh’s higher education ecosystem. Historically, aided colleges have catered to over 30,000 students, producing national-level professionals and administrators. If the administration fails to resolve these “rightful dues,” the planned intensification of protests in the next academic session could disrupt examination schedules and institutional governance. However, the association has so far refrained from boycotting exams to protect student interests.
Quick Reference Links
| Description | Link/Contact |
| Official Education Department Portal | Access Here |
| Chandigarh Administration Finance Dept | View Notifications |
| CACTA Contact/Helpline | cacta.chandigarh@email.com |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the teacher protests delay the 2026 examination results?
While CACTA has avoided exam boycotts so far to safeguard students, they have warned that continued neglect of the UGC Regulations 2018 Implementation may force more severe measures in the next session.
Which colleges are affected by this announcement?
All privately managed, government-aided colleges in Chandigarh that receive 95% grant-in-aid from the central government are affected.
What is the main reason for the delay cited by the administration?
The association alleges the administration is creating “unnecessary ambiguity” by citing Punjab state policies, despite Chandigarh being a Union Territory that should follow central norms.
What are the specific financial demands of the teachers?
The demands include 20% HRA, enhanced DA from January 2025, and full salary during the one-year probation period.
Has the Chandigarh Administration issued an official response?
As of late December 2025, the UT administration has not issued a formal rebuttal or a timeline for the implementation of the pending benefits.