Protests Erupt at HPU Over Unpaid Salaries; Faculty Boycotts Classes

Shimla, May 5:
Teachers and staff at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) staged a strong protest on Monday over the non-payment of April salaries, bringing academic activity to a halt. Under the joint leadership of the Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association (HPUTWA) and the Non-Teaching Staff Union, hundreds gathered outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, boycotting classes and raising slogans for over three hours.

The protesters alleged that despite salary files being submitted to the Secretary of Education over ten days ago, no action was taken. They demanded an investigation into the delay, calling it a reflection of the insensitivity of both the Education Secretary and the Director of Higher Education.

Speakers at the protest pointed out that HPU used to receive grants on a quarterly basis. Now, they claimed, the university must plead for funds every month—a situation they described as disgraceful for a state-run institution. The protestors also blamed administrative inefficiency, including the Registrar’s absence, for delays in file processing and disruption of university operations.

Staff leaders warned that if salary disbursement delays continue, they will escalate their movement. A delegation later met with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and gave the administration a three-day deadline to resolve the salary issue. Protesters also expressed frustration over the long-pending implementation of the 2016 pay scale arrears and full dearness allowance (DA). Faculty are still awaiting Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits, while non-teaching staff have not received their Revised Pay Commission (RPC) entitlements.

Among those present at the protest were Dr. Nitin Vyas, Dr. Ankush, Dr. Anjali, Dr. Ram, Dr. Shiv Dogra, Dr. Shashikant, Prof. Dunichand, Prof. Umesh, Prof. Chandermohan, and many other faculty and staff members. From the non-teaching union, leaders including Rajesh, Rana Ji, Sunil, and Rajkumari participated actively.

Union representatives made it clear: if the university administration and the state government fail to take swift action, the protest will intensify in the coming days.