Lucknow, Oct. 2 -- In a move aimed at giving a fresh direction and energy to higher education and the teachers' movement in the state, both factions of the Federation of U.P. University & College Teachers Association (FUPUCTA) announced their merger in a press conference at UP Press Club on Thursday.

Two and a half decades ago, the teachers' movement had split into two separate factions due to various reasons, but following the unification of both, the association will now operate democratically based on revised rules.

Addressing the press conference, FUPUCTA patron Harendra Kumar Rai stated that with the unification of the organisations, the association will move forward through a completely democratic process.

Meanwhile, president Pr...