Himachal teachers’ body seek director of higher edu’s ouster over salary delay

The Himachal Pradesh University Teachers Association (HPUTA) has criticised the Office of the Director of Higher Education for delays in disbursing salaries to Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) employees and has demanded the immediate removal of the Director.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dr MS Thakur, president of HPUTA, alleged the director’s office has shown insensitivity towards the matter, with salary-related files pending for several days. “Despite repeated requests from HPU authorities, no timely action has been taken. The Director’s office continues to delay processing even after the release of the state government’s budget, reflecting inefficiency in handling critical matters,” said Dr Thakur.

HPUTA has called for the Director’s removal, citing incompetence and lack of accountability. The association also urged the state government to release HPU’s budget as per previous practice, noting employees have pending dues and liabilities that must be cleared without any further delay.

The association further called on the state government to increase the university’s budget, stressing that it is not viable to shift financial burdens onto stakeholders, students and the general public.

Raising concern over the bureaucracy’s approach to resource mobilisation, the HPUTA criticised attempts to raise funds through additional charges on the public and warned such decisions could have adverse consequences.

The association also appealed to the state government to issue strict guidelines to prevent future lapses, emphasising officers must be held accountable for decisions that affect the university’s work culture, academic environment and research activities.

In addition, the HPUTA demanded that the university administration actively pursue the matter with the state government and ensure that regular meetings of the long-dormant Resource Mobilisation Committee are convened.