HPU staff launch protest over delayed salaries, threaten hunger strike
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Aug 4,
Tension escalated at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) on Monday as teaching and non-teaching employees staged a massive protest outside the Vice Chancellor’s office, demanding immediate release of pending salaries and long-overdue promotions.
The protest, jointly organized by the Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association and the Non-Teaching Employees Union, witnessed a total boycott of classes, disrupting academic activities for the day.
The agitated staff slammed the state government for what they called “blatant discrimination,” pointing out that while all other government departments in Himachal Pradesh have received their monthly pay, HPU employees remain unpaid.
“This is unprecedented. Never before have HPU staff been sidelined in this manner while the rest of the state machinery functions as usual. It’s nothing short of administrative neglect,” said Dr. Nitin Vyas, President of the Teachers’ Association.
Employees alleged that the state government continues to maintain lavish expenditure while citing a financial crisis to justify withholding salaries, allowances, and promotional benefits for university staff.
Among the key issues raised was the long-pending implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions, which have been stalled since 2022. Faculty members said the delay is affecting academic morale and damaging HPU’s institutional standing.
“Thirteen percent of our Dearness Allowance remains unpaid, and there’s complete silence on the disbursement of arrears under the 2016 UGC pay scale,” said a protesting staff member.
General Secretary of the association, Dr. Ankush, issued a stern warning: “If the government fails to resolve these issues immediately, we will escalate our agitation and even launch an indefinite hunger strike.”
The staff have demanded a time-bound roadmap for salary payments, clearance of all pending dues, and implementation of promotional benefits. As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the state government’s response to avert a prolonged disruption in the functioning of one of Himachal Pradesh’s premier educational institutions.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
