Srinagar, Sep 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has yet to approve a proposed hike in the monthly remuneration of Ph.D.-qualified need-based faculty in Government Degree Colleges, with the case currently under examination after the Finance Department returned it with observations.
In a written reply to a question by Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh (Langate), the Higher Education Department said the faculty members are currently being paid ₹28,000 per month under Government Order No. 137-JK(HE) of 2024, dated March 1, 2024.
The question highlighted the difference in remuneration between J&K and Bihar, where faculty in equivalent positions are reportedly paid ₹92,000 per month.
The department said it had taken up the matter of enhancing the existing remuneration and referred the case to the Finance Department to bring the pay of need-based faculty in J&K at par with similarly engaged faculty in universities and colleges across the country, in accordance with UGC regulations.
However, the Finance Department returned the case with certain observations, which are currently being examined by the Higher Education Department.
The department said it would compile the required information and refer the case again to the Finance Department for concurrence. Further action will be taken on priority after the concurrence is received and approval is granted by the competent authority.
The government has not specified any timeline for the proposed enhancement or announced a decision on the review of the faculty members’ service conditions.
