Over 4,500 employees of Punjabi University in Patiala have not received their salaries for May as the state government has yet to release the monthly grant-in-aid of Rs 30 crore.
Employees Express Resentment
The delay has triggered resentment among staff members, who are demanding immediate release of their dues. The university requires approximately Rs 32 crore each month to meet salary obligations. University officials have stated that salaries will be disbursed once the grant is received.
Union Leaders Speak Out
Gurjeet Singh Gopalpuri, president of the Punjabi University Employees’ Association (Group B and C), said representatives met Higher Education Department Principal Secretary Sonali Giri to urge immediate salary release. The association also called for a mechanism ensuring salaries are paid within the first three working days of every month.
Professor Nishan Singh, president of the Punjabi University Teachers’ Association (PUTA), attributed the delay to the non-receipt of the government grant. He noted that salaries had been paid on time in recent months but the latest delay underscores the university's financial struggles.
Financial Crisis Deepens
Punjabi University has faced a severe financial crisis for years and reportedly carries a debt of nearly Rs 400 crore. The salary delay has left many employees struggling to manage household expenses, pay children's school and college fees, and repay bank loans.
Amarjeet Kaur Gill, convener of the Employees’ Joint Struggle Committee, said the delay has caused significant hardship for staff members, affecting routine household expenses.
Demand for Immediate Action
Employees’ unions have urged the university administration and Vice-Chancellor Jagdeep Singh to take immediate steps to ensure salary release at the earliest.
