In an unprecedented move that has caused widespread anguish, the historic University of Mysore (UoM) has failed to disburse monthly pension payments to its retired staff, marking the first such major default in recent decades. Over 1,900 pensioners, including former academicians and non-teaching staff, have been left in a severe financial lurch, struggling to cover basic living and medical expenses.
A Century-Old Institution's Financial Halt
The university, which is over a century old, requires approximately Rs 8.5 crore every month to fulfill its pension obligations. For years, the pension was credited reliably on the last working day of each month. However, retirees report that delays began creeping in over the past few months, culminating in the current complete halt. As of now, the payment is overdue by more than 26 days, pushing many elderly citizens to the brink.
A retired employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted the dire personal consequences. "This is the first time the pension has not been released even after 26 days," he said. "My family is facing a medical emergency, and we have no savings left to manage such prolonged uncertainty." This sentiment echoes across the pensioner community, which is now grappling with anxiety and hardship.
Root Cause: Acute Fund Crunch and Awaiting State Aid
The university administration has squarely blamed a severe shortage of internal funds for the crisis. UoM Vice-Chancellor NK Lokanath stated that the institution is awaiting financial assistance from the state government to resolve the impasse. "We are waiting for the release of funds from the state government. Once the amount is received, pensions will be paid," Lokanath expressed, voicing confidence that the issue would be settled before the month's end.
However, this explanation offers little solace to the affected pensioners. K Mahadev, President of the UoM Pensioners' Association, underscored the depth of the crisis. "The delay has pushed pensioners into a severe financial crisis. It is deeply unfortunate that universities are starving for funds," he said. He warned that pensioners are now planning to stage a protest against the recurring delays and urged the government to find a permanent solution.
Growing Demand for Direct Government Intervention
The ongoing crisis has ignited a strong demand from the retired community for systemic change. Several retired staff members have urged the state government to take over the direct payment of pensions, similar to the process for other retired government employees. They argue that this would insulate them from the financial instability of the universities.
"Universities are facing an acute fund crunch due to various reasons. There is no immediate solution in sight. The government must step in and pay pensions directly," asserted a group of retired academicians and non-teaching staff. This call for direct intervention highlights a broader structural issue plaguing state-run higher education institutions.
Officials from the state's higher education department acknowledged that large state-run universities are currently entangled in a serious financial dilemma. Interestingly, vice-chancellors of two other government universities confirmed they had managed to pay pensions using their internal resources, pointing to a disparate financial health across institutions.
The situation in Mysuru serves as a stark reminder of the funding challenges in India's public university system. As the revered University of Mysore scrambles for funds, the well-being of those who built its legacy hangs in the balance, awaiting urgent and lasting redressal from the authorities.
