Anna University’s temporary staff now eligible for PF

CHENNAI: After several years of requests and demands, nearly 2,000 temporary staff including the Teaching Fellows (TFs) at Anna University, regional campuses and University Colleges across TN have finally become eligible for the Employees Provident Fund.

For over a decade, the varsity has been employing temporary TFs in many departments for a 6-month contract, with the power to either renew the contract or terminate the TF. As the TFs have been kept in contract, fear of job uncertainty reigned supreme. And over many years, they’ve been asking for 2 vital changes — job regularisation and PF eligibility.

The TFs earn anywhere between Rs 27,000 to Rs 30,000 per month. So, their demand for PF was justified.

Now, according to the letter from the Employees’ PF Association to the varsity, around 2,000 temporary staff working at Anna University under various categories spread across 4 university departments, campuses, 13 university colleges of engineering and 3 regional campuses in TN will be eligible for PF.

A TF who has been working for almost a decade at the varsity said: “Recently, all TFs were asked for attendance and salary slips for all the years worked at the University. Though we’re glad such a move has been taken, there’s no guarantee if it will be processed, as we are yet to get any confirmation from the university. Despite having worked for so many years here, I’ve been deprived of PF and other benefits that come with it.”

Subsequently, another TF with over 15 years’ experience, insisted for job regularisation. “We’ve been asking for it for over a decade. The government should consider the plight of TFs who are burdened with the heavy work, additional hours and meagre salary for job regularisation,” opined the TF.