Urgent Intervention Required to Uphold Agricultural Excellence

Pant Nagar: Uttarakhand Government has arbitrarily designated those engaged in research and extension at prestigious GB Pant University as "non-teachers." This decision has far-reaching implications, casting a shadow over the future of agricultural research and development in our nation, a petition signed addressed to the Prime Minister said. 

Vir Singh who raised the issue by taking signatures of many on his petiton said that GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, the proud beacon of agricultural innovation and progress, has played an invaluable role in shaping the agricultural landscape of India. With its rich legacy and unwavering commitment to the principles of Teaching-Research-Extension, this institution has been the cornerstone of our country's remarkable journey towards self-sufficiency in food production.

Nobel Laureate Norman E Borlaug aptly referred to GB Pant University as the "Harbinger of the Green Revolution in India," a title that resonates with pride among the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to its mission. From dedicated researchers and diligent extension workers to passionate teachers, the collective efforts of these individuals have illuminated the path of progress for generations to come, the petition said.

It is with deep concern that  attention of competent authority is being drawn towards a recent development that threatens to undermine the very essence of GB Pant University's success. The Uttarakhand Government's Office Order 730/Xiii-2/2023-14(02)/2016, dated 04 July 2023, has arbitrarily designated those engaged in research and extension as "non-teachers." This decision has far-reaching implications, casting a shadow over the future of agricultural research and development in our nation, the petiton said 

The symbiotic relationship between teaching, research, and extension has been the bedrock of agricultural development worldwide, and GB Pant University has been a shining example of this synergy. The classification of dedicated faculty members, who have diligently served under ICAR-funded projects, as "non-teachers" not only diminishes their contributions but also places their post-retirement benefits in jeopardy. This decision has not only affected these individuals but has also left thousands of aspiring students uncertain about their academic future, the petition added. 

In the light of these distressing circumstances, this is requested thay Prime Minister may intervene to rectify this situation. The trajectory of agricultural progress that our nation has embraced owes a significant debt to the collaborative efforts of teachers, researchers, and extension workers. It is imperative that the Uttarakhand Government reconsider its stance, revoke the detrimental notice, and restore justice to the affected faculty members of GB Pant University.

By doing so, we will reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that have propelled India to the forefront of agricultural advancement. We will ensure that the legacy of GB Pant University remains untarnished, and the dreams of countless students and researchers continue to flourish under its nurturing umbrella, petiton added.