Mumbai: It is unusual for IIT professors to protest, but on Monday, professors at the IIT Bombay went on a one-day mass leave. They say their salaries don't even match up those of scientists in other government jobs, and have to be increased.
"We had recommended salaries suitable to attract young faculty who are good for institutions of excellence and importance. But the government is offering 20 to 30 per cent less. This will only make it more difficult for us to retain good faculty," said Dr Bharat Shah, professor, IIT Bombay.
IIT professors across India had asked for over 100 per cent increase in pay scales, to attract talent otherwise lost to foreign universities. They had asked to bring professors salaries at par with scientists in government institutes like DRDO, ISRO and BARC; and a monthly compensation of Rs 15,000 for faculty members, when they lose pay studying to become PhDs, which is a minimum requirement to teach at IIT.
The government offered them about 30 per cent less, and is now promising to relook at their concerns as protests grow.
"The government is not even willing to listen to us or respond," said Dr Soumyo Mukherji, professor, IIT Bombay.
Professors at IIT Chennai and Kharagpur have already gone on a token strike. IIT Delhi teachers won't work on Tuesday. Professors at IIM could also join in. The protests they promise, will only get louder if the government doesn't respond positively by September 5.