Non-teaching employees of Punjabi University in Patiala locked the institution's main entrance gates on Tuesday, protesting delayed salaries and pending promotions amid a deepening financial crisis caused by the Punjab government's failure to release its monthly grant-in-aid. The protest disrupted campus movement, stranding students, faculty, and staff on both sides of the gates.
Protest Details and Impact
A large number of employees gathered at the main gate in the morning, locking both entry points. Some heated exchanges occurred between protesters and those seeking access, but the situation remained peaceful overall. The union warned of intensified agitation if the administration does not address their grievances.
Union activist Gurjeet Singh Gopalpuri stated that employees have not received their May salaries even as June nears its end. He highlighted the hardship caused by the delay, including difficulty in meeting household expenses, paying children's school and college fees, and clearing bank loan installments.
Financial Crisis and Salary Arrears
More than 4,500 university employees—both teaching and non-teaching—remain unpaid for May because the Punjab government has not released the monthly grant-in-aid of Rs 30 crore. The university requires approximately Rs 32 crore each month to meet salary obligations. Additionally, the institution has been grappling with a severe financial crisis for several years and reportedly carries a debt of nearly Rs 400 crore.
Protesters also raised the issue of long-pending promotions and other service-related demands. They accused the vice-chancellor and senior officials of ignoring their concerns, chanting slogans against them during the demonstration.
