Candle March by Chandigarh Aided College Teachers Ends in Police Detention

December 19, 2025

Chandigarh: Teachers from privately managed government-aided colleges in Chandigarh were detained by police on Thursday while holding a candlelight march at Fountain Chowk in Sector 17. The march was organized to demand resolution of long-pending service-related demands. The protest was organized under the banner of the Chandigarh Aided College Teachers Association (CACTA).

A large number of teachers from various aided colleges in the city participated in the candlelight march, peacefully drawing the administration’s attention to their demands.

Demand for service benefits and pay parity

The protesting teachers stated that they were demanding equal pay with government college teachers, payment of pending arrears, implementation of the promotion policy, and regularization of service conditions. Teachers say they are performing the same academic and administrative responsibilities as teachers in government colleges, but they are not being provided with the same facilities.

CACTA officials stated that several memorandums have been submitted to the administration in this regard and assurances have been received, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

Police action at Fountain Chowk

As soon as teachers arrived at Fountain Chowk to begin the candlelight march, police detained them, citing law and order. All teachers were later taken to the nearest police station. The teachers termed this police action as “unnecessary” and “undemocratic.”

The protesters stated that their march was completely peaceful and did not disrupt traffic or public order.

Warning to intensify agitation

Following the detention, CACTA warned that if their demands are not met soon, the agitation will be intensified in the coming days. The organization stated that they will continue their fight through democratic and legal means.

The teachers appealed to the Chandigarh administration to intervene immediately and initiate talks, stating that ignoring their demands could adversely affect the educational system in aided colleges.