Shimla, Jan 21,
A protest was held outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shimla on Tuesday by alleged terminated employees of the Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU). Under the leadership of CITU State president Vijender Mehra, the protestors demanded the reinstatement of 43 daily wage workers who they claimed were unlawfully terminated.
The protestors alleged that the University’s “hire-and-fire” policy was being used to exploit workers. They claimed the terminated employees, who had been working as cleaners, security staff, hostel attendants, drivers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and technical workers, were dismissed without any notice or valid reason. They further alleged that the workers were subjected to excessive exploitation, including 12-hour shifts without overtime pay, denial of minimum wages, and lack of benefits such as EPF, ESI, medical facilities, and paid leave.
In response, HPNLU issued a note denying the allegations and termed the circulating information as false and motivated. The University clarified that it hires daily wage and contractual employees for fixed durations based on institutional requirements and financial viability. The spokesperson stated, “In the case of fixed-term contractual or daily wage employees, no question of termination arises. At the end of the duration, the services of such persons automatically come to an end.” The University emphasized that any reappointments follow due processes, including reservation policies and rosters mandated by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
HPNLU also highlighted its financial and infrastructural challenges. Established in 2016 under the Himachal Pradesh National Law University Act, the University operates without any dedicated budget head in the state government’s annual budget. Despite being a fully residential institution with approximately 800 students, it lacks adequate infrastructure. Currently, it operates out of three buildings provided by the state government—a girls’ hostel, an academic block, and an administrative block. Due to insufficient facilities, the University spends crores annually to rent accommodations for students near the campus.
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Meanwhile, the protestors warned that if their demands were not met, they would intensify their agitation from January 27.
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