Hello…. I am Teacher Speaking

                         

One lovely morning, I received a call from a teacher at Unaided College. It's me, ABC here. He began, "Hello, sir. I'm a teacher at one of the unaided institutes. I just wanted to talk about the condition that I'm in right now." He began to speak

After completing my postgraduate studies at a prestigious institution, I entered academia as an assistant professor. Being a teacher was my ultimate aim as a distinguished professional. When I started working at the institute, I was given a monthly pay of 12,000 rupees, less than that of roadside labour. Owing to personal emergencies, I took the job and began serving as an assistant professor.

              Heavy workload

In addition to working more than 20 hours a week as a teacher, I also participate in numerous college professional events and academies.  In addition to my regular teaching responsibilities, I have been given various portfolios, including those for exams, academics, sports, IQAC, NAAC, PCI, training and placement, admissions, and many more.

My college hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are subject to change based on the Institution's schedule. I occasionally begin work between 8 and 10 a.m. and end between 6:00 and 10 p.m. I didn't get to spend time with my family in quality. No, sir. I'm just not able to spare time, not even quality time.  I don't recall having any fun over the summer, winter, or Diwali vacations for longer than a week, and I was busy with exam duties during that time. I am not allowed to take more than eight leaves of absence. I don't have any sick days. Tell me, please, that I am not a human.

              Pressure of Expectation

Sir, my parents, kids, and wife make up my family. Despite being a certified professional postgraduate, I am not financially stable enough to fully meet my parents and family's fundamental necessities. I question if I am a human being since I am doubtful. The majority of expectations, including research publications, patents, book publications, and PhD advancement, are concurrently reflected in the management philosophy. How and when do I have to complete all of this work given that I am constantly occupied with my coursework, supplementary lectures, and portfolio engagement tasks?

Sir, even though we have arrived at a developed country, the management and stakeholder mindsets remain incredibly commonplace and centralized.  Why do people not regard other people like themselves? You are aware that institutions are operating with a shortage of staff members, but there are still teachers on hand to oversee lessons, and practical, and portfolio engagement.

As a postgraduate professional, my parents have put a lot of effort into making me stable in terms of my physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Sadly, I am unable to meet their fundamental needs. I only had a question for you, sir: why? Despite my financial hardship, I make much less money than a roadside worker does. My wage is significantly less. When stakeholders come to our college campus, they know how to put on a big speech with big words, but they don't know how the employees feel. They interpreted the statement in the institute's favor. Few honest educators and academic authorities want to make the wrongdoings public.

              Life during Corona Pandemic

Throughout the Corona pandemic, we had several trying and serious situations involving our physical, mental, social, and—most importantly—financial well-being. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that, in this particular case, we are being paid as CHB teachers rather than as ordinary teachers. What kind of managerial mindset is this? This is how educators should be treated, as they are the ones who are shaping the future of this country.   We experienced health issues along with our family during this pandemic. Consider how we manage to survive. Why are we not being treated like humans by humans? As educators, we have sacrificed everything for the good of the students, but despite this, we are not receiving justice.

             I am representative of all teachers

I am not representing myself I am representing the whole teacher fraternity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari everywhere situation is the same was I am facing regularly. I have been working in institutes for the last 5-6 years but still, I have been not approved by the institute and most importantly this problem is not undertaken seriously by the University authorities. We are not beneficiaries of health insurance, gratuity, provident fund and many more as per the regulatory guidelines and it is the basic right of every teacher offered by the constitution of India. Recently we have been reaching the moon but what about the people who are responsible for teaching the students to reach their rocket on the moon? Recently in the coronavirus pandemic, the students prepared by teachers made a lifesaving vaccine and saved the lives of millions but what about our life sir? You might have seen during the coronavirus pandemic pharmacists were the most important liaison between patients and doctors by putting their lives in danger and supporting the millions of patients.

               Teachers the creator

"Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Mahesvara Gurur Saakshaat Parabrahm Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah" is the definition of a guru in our old culture. Guru is on par with God and Brahma, the creator of the entire universe, but do you believe that teachers are that important or that they deserve that kind of respect? Imagine a world without teachers. They serve as mentors for the future generations. What if they are dissatisfied with the way the future is shaping up?  How will the future be constructed? The teacher is the most vital pillar of our democracy; without them, the entire system will collapse, and with them broken, the entire system will crumble.  This is nature's basic, uncomplicated fundamental. How come?

              My Pay

Although my pay appears to be good on paper, it is very low. I am unable to submit claims for government programs such as EWS, scholarships, medical bills, and numerous others because of this. The other harsh reality that I would want to share with you is that while student strength within the organization is at an all-time high, the number of teachers on staff at the institute is extremely low—just over 50% of the entire number needed. The institute will control or manipulate the remaining 50% of the faculties. Regretfully, many colleges are receiving high marks from academic audits, NACC, and other inspections. I regret to inform you that while everyone is gaining from this, the one who created this world, this universe, and the best is not.

This is the teacher's feeling, the kids' father's feeling, the husband's feeling, and the son of the parents' feeling. Please treat me like a human being and as an employee. We are just human beings; we are neither criminals nor slaves. We merely want our rights, so please go above and beyond and provide them.

              Career Advancement

Crucial point as professionals, we must stay current to advance our careers through learning new technologies, conducting research, collaborating with others, obtaining patents, attending national and international conferences, and receiving expert training to address changing global conditions and challenges. Our knowledge will benefit the students and the institute. However, despite not receiving any funding, the institute has refused to let me take use of the aforementioned opportunities. The institute is simultaneously expecting a lot, including research papers in reputable journals, patents, copyrights, and book publications. 

Large banners and advertisements are placed in newspapers whenever students pass competitive exams like the GPAT, GATE, GATE B, CSER NIPER, and many others; sadly, teachers are not given any consideration in these situations.

              The victim is a teacher

According to the information I have, there is fierce competition between established institutions and new ones to offer the most admissions possible for Diploma, degree, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. Recent data that I have seen on websites and in newspapers indicate that a large number of institutes have admittance rates that are less than 20%. In two to three years, these colleges will close, and teachers will suffer; institutes won't. What does this teacher's future hold? Where are they going? Who will assume the accountability? Overall, the victim is a teacher; there is no loss to the university, college, management, PCI, AICTE, or UGC. He broke down in tears and ended the call.

              Authors feeling and sense of responsibility

My eyes begin to respond to this discourse, unable to express words. I felt terrible about it. Even in the twenty-first century, concerns remain over the Indian Constitution’s guarantee of human rights. Why do stakeholders not seem to feel anything at all? For this injustice, who bears responsibility? Why are stakeholders not addressing the issues facing unsupported teachers? Who bears responsibility for this? The conversation above raises a lot of other questions.

              Zero support system

I am unable to speak. I am at a loss for words when it comes to the emotions of teachers. One major finding from my search for a solution is that there appears to be a problem with the way the rights of teachers are being responded to. I discovered that there isn’t a single union member who will truly and genuinely stand up for unaided teachers. We discover that the management, stakeholders, principal, and teachers are not properly coordinating.

The principal is the primary point of contact between the management and the teachers; however, the principal does not voluntarily address issues with the teachers and if he wishes to address teachers’ issues management doesn’t respond (This is not true about all Principals, many supports for teachers progress and upliftment). I have observed numerous institutions where the principal is in charge of the rights of the teachers, even though the teacher is the one who is financially, psychologically, socially, and even physically harassed.

I am not here to criticize the principal, management, or other stakeholders; rather, we expect cooperation to understand each other’s feelings, emotions, rights, and needs in a way that is beneficial to the students, teachers, organizations, management, and, ultimately, the country. I have observed that the administration is spending millions of rupees on infrastructure development, but they do not think that investing in teachers is worthwhile, given that teachers are mostly responsible for the organization’s notoriety and publicity.

             Being Human -Stay Blessed

A sincere, polite request to all stakeholders’ please treat everyone with human decency. It is a well-known fact that investing in a teacher will yield a fivefold return. The historical record demonstrates how educators have been held accountable for the peak of an institution’s popularity, its notoriety, and its inclusion in the elite club. Many more dollars will gradually appear in your bank account day by day, year by year, or decade by decade, but your humanity account will be deducted from your account of blessings. This is your chance to gradually boost the blessings that come with being human.

            Art of Manipulation

Self-professed elite institutions or ranks accepted by the authorities in charge are under? (reference to news appeared in print media) Since the treatment or dominance of human resources is not determined by the institute’s grade or level. Is it inappropriate to talk about how the institutes handle grades and ranks at this point?

I have doubts about the institute’s legitimacy in terms of its infrastructure and facilitation, but I also believe that it manipulates the financial indicator that relates to the teacher’s pay.  The institute’s student fees, as set by the fee regulating authorities, are rising daily, but faculty salaries are not rising in line with this.

The teacher’s circumstances are not the best shortly. To ensure our success and future, we must focus on resolving the following issues. It’s merely guidance.

            To Ensure Success in the Future

1.     To provide an update on your career development

2.     Make a three- or five-year plan for your activities and act appropriately.

3.     Carry out the plan.

4.     Craft your CV such that the organization would rely on you rather than you   on the organization

5.     Come together under one roof

6.     Make an effort to persuade other parties to respect your constitutionally guaranteed rights.

7.     Use several methods to bring up your regular concerns with the university administration.

8.     Keep yourself informed on how the world is evolving.

9.     Refuse to tolerate dishonest behavior

10.  When writing, publishing should always come first when producing high-quality material.

11.   Focus on quality rather than quantity.

12.  Make an effort to build a solid and constructive coordination link between teachers, principals, management, and stakeholders.

13.  Try to demonstrate your abilities and qualifications whenever you get the chance by using your professional credentials.

14.  Establish social connections

15.  Make an effort to keep your body and mind in balance

16.  Make an effort to increase your financial resources in line with your abilities & skills.

17.  Never work under a leader who lacks professionalism and vision.

18.  Be truthful in your work, your values, and your discipline.

19.  Be ready for any type of calamity.

20.  Get ready to act like the person who did not rely on the institution or administration 

21.  Give your professional colleagues support when it's appropriate. I have witnessed numerous occasions where certain educators desired to.

22.  Above all, make sure your technical and knowledge skills are up to date with the latest worldwide developments.

23.  Continue to acquire new knowledge

24.  Remain non-politicized

 

             Conclusion

 

I respectfully ask that everyone involved, including the regulatory agencies and institutional authorities treat teachers like human beings.

The author's intention to write this blog originates from a phone discussion between one of the teachers and me. It does not imply that all institutions, principals, and management are at fault; many institutions support their teachers by government standards, while others them on par with government norms

I ask the Almighty God for Teachers' good Health, Wealth, Future & Prosperity

 

              Dedicated to all Teachers