Rajasthan: MPUAT Pensioners Roar Amid Sweltering Heat, Demand Resolution of Issues

Udaipur- The Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) witnessed a significant gathering on Thursday , March 28 as more than 200 retired staff members staged a protest in front of the university's administrative building. Led by Dr. Surendra Bhatnagar, President of the MPUAT Pensioners Welfare Society, the retirees voiced their longstanding grievances regarding pension disbursements and other welfare issues.

Despite repeated attempts through discussions and correspondence with the university administration, the pensioners expressed frustration over the lack of resolution to their concerns. Dr. Bhatnagar lamented the administration's failure to address the pensioners' needs, leading to widespread distress and discontent among the retirees.

Speaking with The Mooknayak, Dr Bhatnagar said, " Despite numerous letters and requests made to address the issues faced by pensioners, the MPUAT University Administration has failed to provide any instructions or resolutions. This lack of response has left all pensioners distressed and frustrated, prompting them to take to the streets and protest in front of the university. Shockingly, the administration did not even deem it necessary to engage in dialogue with the pensioners. Furthermore, all gates were locked, forcing elderly pensioners to walk on foot under the scorching sun."

Senior pensioners, including Dr. Kanthalia, Dr. Ameta and Shri RK Rajput, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the urgency of their demands and the necessity for immediate action from the university administration.

Of particular concern were the delays in implementing the Dearness Allowance (D.A.) for pensioners, which had been approved by the Rajasthan Government.

Despite orders for D.A. of 46% and 50% being issued for pensioners in other agricultural and general universities of the state, MPUAT retirees were yet to receive the same.

The pensioners highlighted that these allowances were due from July 2023, and urged the university administration to expedite the process for the benefit of all retirees.

In a bid to compel the administration to address their grievances, the pensioners had issued ultimatums through letters on March 21 and 26, indicating their intention to protest if their demands were not met by March 27, 2024. With the university's failure to act, the retirees followed through on their promise and staged a protest on Thursday.

Dr. Bhatnagar reiterated the pensioners' plea for support from the media in amplifying their voices and drawing attention to their plight. The retirees emphasized that they were left with no choice but to resort to protest, holding the university administration accountable for any disturbances arising from their demonstration.

As tensions simmered outside the administrative building, the pensioners remained steadfast in their resolve, demanding prompt action to address their grievances and ensure their welfare.