Law varsity staff protest termination of 43 workers

Employees of Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the banner of the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), staged a protest outside the university against the termination of 43 daily wage workers. The protest, held at the university’s main gate, lasted for two hours and included slogans criticising the administration’s decision.

Addressing the gathering, Vijendra Mehra, state president of CITU, accused the university of violating labour laws. He highlighted that the terminated workers, who had served in roles such as cleaning, security, carpentry and technical support, were unlawfully dismissed despite being appointed through proper procedures, including interviews. Mehra stated: “The workers were neither paid the minimum wage mandated by the central government nor given overtime pay for working 12-hour shifts. They were deprived of benefits like EPF, ESI, medical facilities and leave.”

Mehra also alleged that workers were made to perform tasks outside their job roles without additional pay and were overburdened due to staff shortages. He criticised the university’s “hire and fire” policy, stating it violates Indian labour laws.

The protest turned tense as workers attempted to march towards the campus from the national highway, leading to a minor scuffle with security personnel. Mehra warned of an intensified mass movement from February 3 if the workers are not reinstated.

The protest highlights alleged exploitation and non-compliance with labour laws by an institution tasked with educating students about the law.