CDLU contractual faculty await decision on pending maternity leave applications

Contractual teachers and part-time assistant professors at Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, have expressed concern over the prolonged delay in processing their maternity, paternity and child care leave applications. Despite submitting their representations more than three months ago, they claim that no action has been taken by the university administration.

In a recent reminder addressed to the university’s Registrar, the faculty members reiterated that their original application was submitted to the Vice Chancellor on December 30, 2024 and followed up with another submission on January 15. However, they allege that no formal response or decision has been communicated by the authorities to date.

The affected faculty members pointed out that under the Haryana State Litigation Policy, 2010, such matters were required to be resolved within one month by issuing an official order. They noted that the ongoing delay was not only in violation of policy but was also causing them unnecessary stress and hardship.

In their reminder, the teachers urged the university to take immediate steps and issue a formal order in accordance with the policy guidelines. They also warned that if the administration continues to remain unresponsive, they may be compelled to explore legal options for redressal.

Responding to the issue, CDLU Registrar Dr Rajesh Bansal stated that contractual teachers were currently entitled to maternity leave, casual leave and academic vacations, including breaks during summer, winter, Holi and Diwali. However, he clarified that other service benefits were available only to permanent faculty as per existing norms. Dr Bansal further added that any decision regarding the extension of additional benefits to contractual staff fell under the purview of the state government and not the university. “Unless the government issues a directive, the university cannot independently implement such provisions,” he said.

Haryana Tribune