Recent Surge in Protests Ignited by Open Letter to Chief Minister

Faculty members from government-aided colleges across Tamil Nadu have intensified their long-standing campaign for Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits, culminating in a poignant open letter addressed directly to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Penned by J. Sulaiman, a prominent faculty member from a Chennai-based aided college and president of the New College Staff Association, the letter highlights over five years of delays in promotions and corresponding pay revisions. This appeal coincides with a continuous sit-in protest launched at the Directorate of Collegiate Education in Chennai, organized jointly by the Association of University Teachers (AUT) and the Madras University Teachers Association (MUTA).

The protests reflect deep frustration among thousands of educators who have fulfilled all eligibility criteria, including mandatory interviews, yet remain stalled in their career progression. Similar demonstrations have erupted in regional hubs like Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, and Thanjavur, underscoring the statewide nature of the grievance.

Unpacking the Career Advancement Scheme: A Pillar of Academic Growth

The Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), formulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC), serves as a structured mechanism for the promotion of college and university teachers without necessitating a change in institution. First outlined in UGC regulations and later refined in the 2018 guidelines, CAS enables progression through academic levels based on years of service, research output, teaching performance, and professional development activities.

For assistant professors, the journey begins at Academic Level 10, advancing to Level 11 after four years (with PhD) or five years (with M.Phil), and Level 12 after six more years. Associate professors move to Level 13A, while professors reach Level 14. Each stage requires a rigorous screening process, including API (Academic Performance Indicator) scores from publications, seminars, and administrative duties. In essence, CAS rewards sustained excellence, ensuring faculty motivation and institutional quality.

In Tamil Nadu, the scheme aligns with the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, promising not just titles but substantial salary increments and arrears, often amounting to thousands of rupees monthly per eligible teacher.

Tamil Nadu's Rocky Road with CAS Implementation Since 2021 G.O.

The Tamil Nadu government's pivotal Government Order (G.O.) No. 5, issued by the Higher Education Department on January 11, 2021, formally adopted UGC's 2018 regulations for CAS in both government and government-aided arts and science colleges. This landmark directive promised uniform application, extending monetary benefits alongside promotions.

While government college faculty swiftly benefited—receiving promotions, revised pay scales, and backdated arrears—aided college teachers, who constitute a significant portion of the state's higher education workforce, were largely left behind. Sporadic implementation occurred in select regions like Coimbatore and Thanjavur, but statewide rollout faltered amid bureaucratic hurdles and funding ambiguities. Over 7,000 faculty members across 1,293 aided colleges now await resolution, with many nearing retirement facing permanent loss of entitlements.

Protests Erupting Across Tamil Nadu: From Chennai to Regional Strongholds

The Chennai sit-in at the Directorate of Collegiate Education marks the epicenter, with AUT and MUTA leading daily demonstrations. In Madurai, over a dozen teachers from MUTA-affiliated institutions staged a multi-day blockade outside the Regional Joint Director's office, protesting for 19 consecutive days by late February 2026. Tiruchirappalli witnessed more than 200 Aided College Teachers’ Association (ACTA) members occupying RJD premises for weeks, amplifying calls for parity.

These actions follow earlier agitations, including planned indefinite fasts and road blockades, signaling escalating resolve. Faculty emphasize that aided colleges, reliant on government grants for 90-100% of salaries, mirror government institutions in curriculum delivery and student intake, yet suffer discriminatory treatment.

Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash

• Chennai: Continuous sit-in since early March 2026
• Madurai: Third-day protest outside RJD Sellur office (Feb 2026)
• Tiruchi: Weeks-long ACTA demonstration
• Coimbatore & Thanjavur: Partial benefits fueling further demands

Faculty Voices: Quotes and Personal Hardships

J. Sulaiman articulated in his open letter: "CAS benefits were partially extended to a few teachers in Coimbatore and Thanjavur regions. A few faculty members approached the courts and obtained their benefits through court rulings. However, a majority of faculty members were looking towards the Chief Minister to ensure that social justice was upheld."

Protesters decry the "discriminatory practice against one set of teachers although they worked under the same education system." Financial strain is acute: delayed arrears exceed lakhs per teacher, eroding morale and retirement planning. One Madurai educator noted nearing superannuation without associate professor status, forfeiting pension hikes.

Associations like AUT highlight systemic inequities, urging the Chief Minister's intervention for immediate G.O. clarification and fund release. For career guidance amid such uncertainties, explore tips on crafting a strong academic CV.

Broader Impacts: Ripple Effects on Students and Higher Education Quality

Beyond faculty wallets, the stalemate hampers higher education. Denied CAS promotions to associate professor level, teachers cannot supervise additional PhD scholars, potentially barring at least 1,000 rural, economically disadvantaged students from doctoral pursuits. Aided colleges, serving diverse Tier-2/3 city populations, risk talent drain as frustrated educators eye private sector or other states.

Student outcomes suffer too: demotivated faculty may curtail extracurriculars, research collaborations, and innovative teaching. Tamil Nadu's 1,293 aided colleges, enrolling lakhs annually, form the backbone of accessible undergraduate education, making resolution critical for equity.

Comparatively, neighboring states like Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have streamlined CAS, minimizing disruptions. Tamil Nadu's Directorate of Collegiate Education oversees this ecosystem; visit their official portal for updates.

Government Colleges vs. Aided: The Stark Disparity Exposed

Government college teachers enjoy full CAS rollout post-2021 G.O., with promotions cascading through levels and arrears disbursed promptly. Aided faculty, despite identical UGC-mandated qualifications and interviews, face stalled files due to alleged G.O. ambiguities on grant reimbursements.

This divide fosters resentment, prompting calls for unified policy. Job seekers in Tamil Nadu higher ed can find openings at faculty positions or India-specific listings.

Legal Recourse and Association Strategies

Disheartened teachers have turned to courts, securing individual victories that underscore policy flaws. AUT and ACTA pursue collective petitions, while MUTA plans phased agitations if unmet by deadlines.

Step-by-step resolution path:

• Clarify G.O. via amendment
• Release pending funds (est. crores statewide)
• Fast-track interviews/promotions
• Monitor via independent audit

Photo by Infant Ajith on Unsplash

Path Forward: Solutions, Stakeholder Dialogue, and Optimism

Solution-oriented voices advocate tripartite talks involving government, managements, and unions. Precedents exist: 2021 G.O. itself stemmed from advocacy. With elections looming, CM Stalin's social justice plank could catalyze action.

Future outlook: Full implementation could boost research output, PhD enrollments, and retention. Faculty aspiring for stability might consider professor jobs or career advice. Engage via comments, rate professors at Rate My Professor, or explore university jobs.