Himachal Pradesh University Teachers and Staff Protest Over Unpaid Salaries
Demonstration Held Outside Vice Chancellor’s Office as Anger Grows
In a strong show of dissent, members of the Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association and Non-Teaching Staff Union staged a protest outside the Vice Chancellor’s office today, with nearly all faculty and staff participating. The demonstration highlighted growing frustration over persistent delays in salary disbursement, with protesters accusing the state government of “step-motherly treatment” toward the university.
No Pay, No Work: Classes Boycotted
Employees refused to conduct classes throughout the day, instead raising slogans demanding timely salaries. The union president noted that while all other state employees had received their salaries on time, the university staff was left waiting—calling it a case of “bureaucratic negligence.”
Broken Promises, Mounting Grievances
- CAS Promotions Stalled: No career advancement (CAS) promotions have been granted since 2022, severely impacting faculty morale and the university’s academic excellence.
- Pending DA Arrears: The 13% Dearness Allowance (DA) remains unpaid with no clarity on its release.
- 2016 UGC Scale Arrears: Employees fear they may never receive long-pending dues under the 2016 pay revision.
Government Accused of “Empty Rhetoric”
Protesters slammed the government for prioritizing “pet projects” while claiming financial constraints. “On one hand, they talk about making HPU a top-ranked institution, yet they deny us basic salaries and promotions,” said a faculty member.
Warning of Escalation
The unions warned of intensifying protests, including potential hunger strikes, if no resolution is reached soon. “We won’t back down until our demands are met,” declared Dr. Nitin Vyas, the association’s president.
