Staff not paid, Punjabi University told to cut expenses

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 2

Taking note of poor fiscal condition of Punjabi University, Patiala, the Higher Education Department today directed the university’s officials to take proactive measures to reduce the university’s expenses and increase its income.

Given that salaries of employees took a large percentage of the university’s expenses, the institute has been told to rationalise its staff and focus on market-oriented courses. It has also been directed to table the probe reports related to various alleged scams in its next syndicate meeting.

Rahul Bhandari, Secretary, Higher Education, said: “We have already provided the university with Rs 10 crore last month to pay the salaries of their employees. Now, we have asked them to provide a revised salary budget so that the matter of salaries can be solved.” Meanwhile, plagued by delayed salaries and promotions, the faculty memberare banking on their years of experience and credentials to find a job elsewhere.

The senior-most professors in the region have been protesting outside the office of Vice Chancellor for a month now seeking pending salaries. The protesters have also written to the Chief Minister’s office, but to no avail.

An associate professor, who has over 15 years of experience, said, “The university’s dismal fiscal health has forced us to stage protests. We have no idea when we will receive our dues. This has greatly impacted our quality of work. The government should at least take care of our salaries.”