Sold Assets to Pay Pensions: Insecurity Yet Looms Over 1379 Pensioners of this Agricultural University in Rajasthan

Udaipur- Despite its commendable standing in global academia, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) finds itself grappling with a pressing issue that strikes at the heart of its retired employees, including senior scientists.

While basking in the glory of significant rankings not only in India but also in Asia and the world, MPUAT faces a stark reality of financial insecurity for its 1379 pensioners. The university, renowned for its contributions to agricultural education and research, is currently unable to provide a stable financial cushion for its retired workforce.

In the latest Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology Rankings according to the AD Scientific Index 2024, MPUAT holds a notable position among global universities.

With a ranking of 4063 out of 17,925 universities worldwide, MPUAT showcases its significance on the global academic stage. Furthermore, within Asia, MPUAT stands at 1584 out of 9739 universities, solidifying its presence and influence within the region. Domestically, the university holds an impressive rank of 383 out of 3613 universities in India, underscoring its importance in the country's academic landscape.

These rankings highlight MPUAT's commitment to excellence in agricultural education, research, and technological advancements, positioning it as a prominent institution contributing to the advancement of agriculture on both national and international fronts.

Currently, pension disbursements are sustained by funds derived from the sale of university lands, facilitated by the Udaipur Development Authority. However, this temporary arrangement poses challenges to the long-term sustainability of pension payments, raising concerns among retirees and highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure their financial security and well-being.

Dr. Surendra Bhatnagar, Chairman of the MPUAT Pensioners Welfare Society, expressed the retirees' grievances to The Mooknayak, shedding light on the concerning situation faced by pensioners. He highlighted that in adherence to the directives of the State Government in 1990-91, all employees opted for the pension scheme, with provisions made for those who didn't choose it. Initially, regular pension payments were facilitated through a pension fund established within the university and funds allocated by the state government. However, over the past decade, there has been a notable decrease in government funding, coupled with increases in pay scales and the number of scientists within the university. Dr. Bhatnagar emphasized that MPUAT is a state-funded institution tasked with teaching, research, and extension education in agriculture, with agricultural farms utilized for research purposes. Additionally, the low number of students further diminishes income from various sources, making it challenging to allocate funds for pension payments at the university level.

The Mooknayak spoke to Dr Uma Shankar Sharma, former V-C, MPUAT who is also a member of the pensioners society. He stated , "A temporary solution was devised to address the pension payment crisis by utilizing funds generated from the sale of land through Urban Improvemnet Trust (UIT) now Udaipur Development Authority (UDA). Presently, UDA allocates only Rs 5 crore per month to the university for pension disbursements, in accordance with state government directives."

However, the recent reimplementation of the old pension scheme by the previous government has added further strain on the university's finances. While this temporary arrangement initially provided a window for pension payments for three to four years, the additional burden imposed by the old pension scheme is projected to exhaust these funds within the next two years.

Consequently, there looms a grim prospect of pensioners being unable to receive their dues regularly in the foreseeable future. It's crucial to note that pensioners' rights to regular payment are not in question, as neither the state government nor the court has suggested withholding pensions. The responsibility to ensure pension payments lies with the university. Despite warnings from the government to bolster the pension fund through increased revenue generation and reduced expenses, the university has yet to take decisive action.

This negligence has left pensioners feeling neglected and raises concerns about the preservation of their dignity and financial security post-retirement.

Key grievances outlined by the pensioners include:

1. Delayed issuance of Dearness Allowance (D.A.) orders by the university, despite the Rajasthan Government's directives, resulting in pending payments for pensioners.

2. Non-payment of arrears pertaining to the 7th pay scale, despite assurances and available funds.

3. Lack of provisions for medical bill payments, despite the availability of funds within the university's medical fund.

4. Failure to implement state government directives for additional pension benefits for elderly pensioners, causing further financial strain.

5. Lack of recognition for the Pensioners Welfare Society by the university administration, hindering advocacy efforts.

6. Delay in releasing revised Pension Payment Orders (PPO) for pensioners.

7. Failure to utilize university savings and funds for pension payments, despite suggestions from the Pensioners Welfare Society.

8. Outstanding dues to beneficiaries of deceased employees remain unpaid.

9. Delay in disbursing gratuity and commutation amounts to retired employees until October 2022.

" The cumulative effect of these unresolved issues has left pensioners distressed and disillusioned, with their livelihoods hanging in the balance. Despite repeated appeals to the university administration, tangible solutions remain elusive, exacerbating the plight of retirees who dedicated their careers to agricultural research and education." Dr PC Kanthaliya, Vice president of the Pensioners welfare society told The Mooknayak.

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