HPU teachers threaten to boycott classes from Nov 7

The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers Welfare Association on Thursday staged a protest outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, accusing the state government of attempting to withhold the university’s grants.

During the demonstration, the association warned that teachers would boycott classes tomorrow onwards and also hold a march to the Raj Bhawan to protest what they termed as ongoing attempts to undermine the dignity and stature of the university.

Nitin Vyas, president of the association, said that the Rs 152 crore university grants were being released only in monthly installments and that, too, after they held agitations and protests. He accused the state Finance Secretary of deliberately defaming the state government and obstructing the release of funds. “Every university employee is troubled by the Finance Secretary’s approach and has no option but to protest,” he added.

Vyas also criticised the government for prioritising a hike in the salaries and allowances of MLAs and administrative officers, while citing financial constraints to not disburse the salaries and arrears of the employees.

The association requested Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene in the matter and immediately transfer the Finance Secretary. It stated that teachers would hold a protest against the Secretary and would not allow him to enter the university campus for the next meeting.