New Delhi: Expressing displeasure at the low pay offered to contractual educators in certain Gujarat colleges, the Supreme Court last week directed the state government to rationalise the pay structure.

The case was heard by a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi.

The court said it is not enough to recite “gurubramha gururvishnu gurdevo maheshwarah” at public functions and that this declaration should be reflected in the way a country treats its teachers.

Not offering respectable pay to educators diminishes the value a country places on knowledge and undermines those entrusted with building its intellectual capital, the court said.

The court made these observations in a case related to the pay of assistant professors appointed on a contractual basis at various government engineering colleges in Gujarat.

“It is disturbing that assistant professors are getting monthly emoluments of Rs 30,000. It is high time that the state takes up the issue and rationalises the pay structure on the basis of functions that they perform,” the bench said.

Emphasising on the principle of equal pay for equal work, the court reaffirmed the high court’s directive to pay a minimum of the pay scale of assistant professors to those working on a contractual basis.

The pay of contractual assistant professors has remained unchanged at Rs 30,000 a month since 2012. For ad hoc posts, the pay increased from Rs 34,000 in 2012 to Rs 1,16,000 per month in 2025, while those appointed on a regular basis were paid Rs 40,412 in 2012 and Rs 1,36,952 per month in 2025, the paper reported.

In its judgement, the court emphasised on the significance of academicians, lecturers, and professors, calling them the intellectual backbone of any nation, as they shape young minds.

The court said that their work extends far beyond delivering lessons and involves nurturing critical thinking, and instilling values that contribute to the progress of society. Despite the significance of their contribution to society, their work is often not recognised at the scale it deserves, it added.

“We affirm the importance of their role and reinforce the nation’s commitment to quality education, innovation, and a brighter future for its youth,” the court said.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.