Kargil, March 4, 2025: In a significant development aimed at enhancing higher education in Ladakh, a delegation from the College Teacher Association (CTA) Ladakh, led by its President, Nasiruddin Khafi, met with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh (UoL), Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, at his residence in Purig Guest House, Kurbathang, Kargil, on March 2, 2025. The meeting provided a platform for a constructive exchange of ideas and concerns related to the academic and administrative issues faced by college teachers across the region.

The delegation included prominent members such as Nasir Shabani, Tsewang Gyaltsan, and Aga Syed Mussavi, all Assistant Professors at Government Degree College (GDC), Kargil. Their discussions with the Vice Chancellor focused on pressing issues affecting faculty members, including service regulations, placement and promotion policies, administrative authority, and the rights of college teachers in Ladakh.

Warm Welcome and Vision for Academic Excellence

At the outset of the meeting, CTA President Nasiruddin Khafi extended a heartfelt welcome to Prof. Kushwaha and congratulated him on his recent appointment as the Vice Chancellor of UoL. Expressing optimism about the future of higher education under his leadership, Khafi highlighted the Vice Chancellor’s vast experience and commitment to academic excellence. He emphasized that Ladakh’s educational institutions stand to benefit immensely from Prof. Kushwaha’s dynamic vision and progressive approach.

Khafi reiterated that college teachers in the region play a pivotal role in shaping young minds and fostering a culture of academic rigor. However, he stressed that systemic challenges must be addressed to ensure a conducive teaching environment and equitable career progression for faculty members.

Key Issues Raised by CTA Ladakh

The delegation outlined several core issues affecting the teaching community in higher education institutions across Ladakh. Among the most critical matters discussed were:

Administrative Authority and Autonomy
The delegation emphasized the need for greater administrative clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of college faculty. They called for streamlined decision-making processes to empower educators and improve institutional efficiency.

Service Records, Placement, and Promotion
The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate service records and ensuring timely placement and promotions for faculty members. The CTA representatives urged the university administration to expedite pending promotions and establish a transparent framework for career progression.

Transfer Policy and In-Service Ph.D. Permissions
Another pressing issue brought to the table was the transfer policy for college teachers. The delegation stressed the need for a fair and well-defined transfer mechanism to prevent disruptions in academic responsibilities. Additionally, they sought clarity on granting permissions for in-service Ph.D. programs, allowing faculty members to pursue higher qualifications without administrative hurdles.

Deputation of College Teachers to the University
The delegation also raised concerns regarding the deputation of college teachers to the university. They urged the Vice Chancellor to ensure that deputations are conducted in a transparent manner, ensuring fairness and merit-based selection.

Vice Chancellor’s Assurances and Commitment

Acknowledging the legitimacy of the concerns raised by CTA Ladakh, Prof. Kushwaha assured the delegation that he would address all issues within his administrative purview at the earliest. He committed to working towards:

Strengthening the administrative framework to grant college faculty more clarity on their roles and responsibilities.

Expediting pending promotions and placements to ensure that faculty members receive the recognition and career growth they deserve.

Proposing a structured transfer policy that balances institutional needs with faculty welfare.

Facilitating in-service Ph.D. programs by simplifying approval processes and encouraging academic advancement.

Liaising with the Secretary of Higher Education and other government authorities to advocate for systemic changes that require policy-level interventions.

Prof. Kushwaha emphasized that his primary goal is to create a thriving academic ecosystem in Ladakh, where educators can excel in their roles without unnecessary bureaucratic challenges. He encouraged college teachers to remain dedicated to their profession and assured them that their contributions to higher education in Ladakh would be duly recognized and supported.

A Positive Conclusion with a Shared Vision

The meeting concluded on a highly optimistic note, with both the CTA delegation and the Vice Chancellor expressing their commitment to collaborative efforts for the betterment of higher education in the region. The faculty members appreciated Prof. Kushwaha’s willingness to listen to their concerns and his proactive approach in addressing their grievances.

In his parting remarks, Prof. Kushwaha urged the college teachers to continue their unwavering dedication to nurturing the youth of Ladakh. He reassured them that his office remains open for continued dialogue and problem-solving to ensure that higher education institutions in the region reach new heights of academic excellence.

The meeting marked a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for college educators in Ladakh. It underscored the importance of open dialogue and collaboration between faculty members and university leadership in shaping the future of education in the region.

As Ladakh continues its journey towards educational advancement, such engagements between stakeholders will play a crucial role in ensuring that faculty members receive the support they need to contribute effectively to the academic landscape of the Union Territory.