BANGALORE: In a landmark judgment, the High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to extend the retirement age of lecturers and professors who are appointed on University Grants Commission (UGC) scales to 65 years, in accordance with the UGC rules.
Justice Anand Byra Reddy observed that the scheme framed by the Government of India through a letter dated December 31, 2008, provides for a common revision of pay scale of teachers of universities and colleges (affiliated or constituent) established under the Central, State, or Provincial Acts and enhancement of age of superannuation to 65.
The said scheme has been incorporated as part of the UGC Regulations 2010, which provides the guidelines for the minimum qualification for appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges, and other measures for the maintenance of standard in higher education.
The said regulation is framed in exercise of power under the UGC Act and so would override any executive government orders issued contrary to it.
In other words, the denial by the state government to enhance the age of superannuation to teachers working in government and aided, affiliated colleges drawing a UGC scale of pay is repugnant to the UGC Act and Regulations, and hence is considered void.