Feeling Frustrated: How to Handle Broken Promises on Compensatory Offs at Work?

Hi,

I am working in a private college. When I joined, they said that if I work on Sundays, I will be getting compensatory offs on weekdays. So, by following the instructions of the head of the college, I worked on Sundays. However, after working for 10 to 11 holidays, a circular came from the head office stating that no compensatory offs should be granted to the employees. Subsequently, the head of my college stopped granting compensatory offs to all the employees. This frustrated me a lot because I wasn't recognized for what I worked. Could you give me a solution for this? Or could you guide me on how to go about it?

Shanthi

Dear Shanthi,

In which college are you working and in what capacity? If you provide more details, more information can be given.

However, I will give you a few details that may be of some help to you:

1. Normally, compensation is granted only to non-academic staff such as OA, typists, stenographers, PAs, and superintendents.

2. No compensation will be granted to academics starting from Lecturers and also non-academic staff who hold officer positions.

3. The above rules are prescribed in colleges in Tamil Nadu. When I worked at a university in Tamil Nadu, this benefit was refused to me.

4. Since you are working in a private college, there may often be a necessity to attend the college on holidays for which you may not be able to claim any compensation.

5. If you are in the initial stages of your employment, bear with it, as you have a long way to go in your career. Don't worry, you will be recognized for your devotion and support to students, etc.

6. Don't be bothered if there is a real need to go to college; go and discharge your duties without expecting any compensation. You need more experience.

7. Have you cleared the NET exam?

By the way, I also belong to Vellore.

Wishes,

Senthil Raj

Email: karpavi_raj@yahoo.com

09871487138

Dear Senthil Raj,

I am asking this question out of curiosity. Is a weekly off not mandatory in educational institutions? Refusing to provide comp time off - would this not amount to overtime? Are educational institutions covered under the Shops & Establishments Act?

With regards,
AM

Dear Mutyalu,

The educational institutions are not covered under the Shops and Establishment Act. Yes, the weekly off is mandatory. However, as I said in my earlier reply, the people in Class-1 officer capacity are required to come on holidays if work demands. Being government organizations, the officers are on the job for 24 hours. Because of the change in the education scenario in our country, there is a lot of work pressure on staff. Hence, they are bound to come on holidays in order to complete their assignments. Though you can say 'no' to working on holidays, your reply may not be taken in the right spirit.

Thanks for your reply.

Wishes,
Senthil Raj

Dear Mr. Senthil Raj,

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. As you said, nowadays private institutions are taking advantage of their own and pressuring employees. But unless and until the chief or head of the organization realizes the mistake, we cannot find a solution.

Thank you.

With regards,
Shanthi

Dear Shanthi,

Thank you for your reply and realizing the important factor. Yes, as you said, the chief has to realize and lay a good working platform. I can quote my example. Two years ago, I was called to work in a newly established university in Tamil Nadu and, believe me, with my team, I worked from 9.00 am to 11.00 pm for one year. During this time, I worked and also established a student-friendly system. Therefore, after that very hard-working year, in my division, we started to leave for home at 6.00 pm. This made people in other divisions jealous because they only did the work but failed to establish a good system. However, our chief never bothered about these areas and always pressured us to work late.

Whenever there is a need for late work, do it so you can gain experience and try to change the system slowly. But make sure to go home safely after working late.

Best wishes,
Senthil Raj

I am a state government doctor at a primary health center. We, the doctors of Assam, are not receiving any compensation for working on holidays. Can I receive any compensation allowed by the state government for working on holidays?

Dr. Ananta Kr. Baruah,
Kamar Bandha Ali P.H.C.,
Golaghat (Assam)
PIN 785625
Mobile: 09435053799