At 90, They Should Be at Peace, Not Protesting— Why Are Rajasthan’s Universities Failing Their Pensioners? Elderly Left in Financial Limbo

Udaipur/Jaipur- The pensioners of Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University (MPUAT) are facing severe financial difficulties, with no resolution in sight despite repeated appeals to the administration. Currently, there are 1,370 pensioners associated with MPUAT, all of whom have been grappling with various issues for the past two years. Despite multiple meetings and discussions between the MPUAT administration and the pensioners' welfare society, no concrete solution has been offered so far.

In a bid to draw attention to their plight, the pensioners organized a mass protest on the university campus in March-April 2024. However, the university's rigid stance has left their grievances unaddressed. Dr. S.K. Bhatnagar, President of the MPUAT Pensioners' Welfare Society, expressed frustration over the lack of progress.

The situation is not unique to MPUAT. Pensioners from all state-funded universities in Rajasthan are facing similar challenges. The All Rajasthan State-Funded University Pensioners Federation, Jai Narayan Vyas University Pensioners Society, and All Rajasthan Agriculture University Pensioners Federation have called for a massive protest in Jaipur on February 25. The protest will be held at the Shaheed Smarak, near the Police Commissioner's Office, to demand a permanent solution to the pension crisis.

The pensioners are demanding the release of pending retirement benefits, including arrears as per the Seventh Pay Commission, gratuity, commutation, and relief allowances. The financial crisis in state universities has left them unable to disburse these payments, pushing pensioners into severe financial distress. Despite repeated appeals to state representatives, ministers, the Chief Minister, and the Governor, no action has been taken to resolve the issue.

All Joint Rajasthan Agriculture University Pensioners Federation President Professor Harishankar Sharma stated," Senior citizens, many of whom are in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, are being forced to take to the streets to demand their rightful dues. They have been receiving pensions under the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) since 1990-91, as per government orders. However, the current financial crisis in universities has made it impossible for them to continue pension payments. The pensioners have urged the state government to follow the example of other states and ensure that pensions are paid directly from the state treasury. They argue that this would provide a permanent solution to the recurring issue of delayed and unpaid pensions."

In preparation for the protest, the MPUAT Pensioners' Welfare Society has formed a five-member coordination committee to ensure smooth arrangements. The committee includes R.K. Rajput, Ganesh Paliwal, Rameshwar Sharma, K.S. Rathore, and V.S. Solanki.

The pensioners' frustration is palpable, as they feel neglected by the state government and university administrations. With no other options left, they are compelled to stage a peaceful yet massive demonstration to draw attention to their plight.