ABRSM Demands Immediate Withdrawal of UGC Letter on discontinuation of advance Increments.

New Delhi-The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) has demanded the University Grants Commission (UGC) to withdraw its recent letter regarding the discontinuation of advance increments at the entry level of academic staff. ABRSM asserted that this directive is contrary to natural justice and will adversely impact teachers and academic staff across the country.President of ABRSM Prof Narayan Lal Gupta highlighted that the UGC letter is in direct contradiction with Clause 19.1 of the UGC Regulations 2018, which was notified in the Gazette of India on 18 July 2018. This regulation explicitly provides for five non-compounded advance increments for Ph.D. holders, two for M.Phil. degree holders, and two for postgraduate degree holders in professional courses like LL.M., M.Tech., M.Arch., and M.D. at the entry level of Assistant Professorship. The Ministry of Education’s letter dated 2.11.2017, which the UGC letter cited, denies such increments, but it predates the legally binding UGC 2018 regulations and should not be considered a valid basis for policy changes.General Secretary of ABRSM Prof Geeta Bhatt pointed out that advance increments have been a longstanding provision in the UGC 1998, 2010, and 2018 Regulations, making the recent clarification unwarranted. She also emphasized that Gazette Notifications are official and legally binding documents of the Government of India, and as a statutory body under the Ministry of Education, the UGC must adhere to them. Implementing this new directive could lead to financial recoveries from teachers, causing undue distress and financial hardship across the academic community.Additionally, multiple government memorandums and court judgments, including those from the Supreme Court and High Courts, have raised concerns about delayed financial recoveries by employers. Implementing this UGC letter may force many affected teachers into legal battles, adding to the judicial burden.In light of these legal, financial, and ethical concerns, ABRSM has strongly urged the UGC to withdraw its letter with immediate effect to protect the rights and financial stability of teachers nationwide.