LUCKNOW, Oct. 2 -- In a move aimed at giving a fresh 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 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 said now the association will move forward through a democratic process. Meanwhile, president Prof Virendra Singh Chauhan said the unification will enable a more effective response to the various serious challenges confronting higher education and teachers. General secretary Prof Pradeep Kumar Singh issued a stern warning that a phased and comprehensive agitation will now be launched regarding the various pending problems of teachers in aided (non-government assistance-received) colleges. They also shared that after passing the merger resolution from their respective managing committees, both organisations completed an extensive procedure. FUPUCTA (Registered) amended its constitution and its officials voluntarily stepped down from their posts, paving the way for a unified managing committee. This new unified executive committee has been registered and approved by the Deputy Registrar of Firms, Societies, and Chits, Lucknow Division. Federation leaders announced that a 23-point charter of demands will be immediately dispatched to the principal secretary, higher education and director, higher education (Prayagraj). The charter includes major demands such as the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, increasing the retirement age in higher educational institutions to 65 years, restoring medical leave benefits, implementing the PhD increment, and resolving discrepancies related to the professor designation. The federation has warned that if prompt action is not taken on their demands, the stir will be intensified starting in the first week of October 2026. Organisation secretary TS Chauhan, vice president Pradeep Sharma, office secretary and media in-charge Manish Hindvi were among those present at the event....