Sir,

The University of Mysore (UoM) has a glorious history of over a hundred years. Once upon a time, money flowed like water in the University and there were no issues related to salaries or pensions.

Today, the situation is completely different. The University has no funds to pay pensions to 1,900 pensioners and salaries to 1,800 temporary teaching and non-teaching staff.

Unfortunately, only around 500 pensioners are members of the Registered Association of Pensioners of Mysore University. Pension-related issues have been ongoing for the past four years. In fact, pensioners had to go on strike in 2021 and again in 2023 to demand their rightful dues.

The present Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and Finance Officer are doing their best to get funds released from the Karnataka Government. However, the Government has been releasing only Rs. 50 crore per year, whereas the actual requirement is Rs. 108 crore per year. This leaves a shortfall of Rs. 58 crore annually, which translates to a requirement of Rs. 9 crore every month to pay pensions.

Why is Mysore University in such dire straits? Who is responsible for this crisis?

While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appears to be sincerely responding to the issue, the Education Secretary, Finance Secretary and Education Minister Dr. Sudhakar have failed to respond appropriately, causing pensioners to suffer immensely.

To illustrate the severity of the situation, pensions for July 2025 were paid only on Aug. 22, 2025, and as of Sept. 4, the pension for August has still not been released. How can a pensioner survive without a pension, unless they have personal financial reserves to fall back on?

Even when University administrators misuse funds, the Government turns a blind eye, failing to investigate or take corrective measures.

It is also deeply disappointing that former administrators of Mysore University, who are themselves pensioners, remain indifferent to the plight of other pensioners facing these severe delays. If the Government of Karnataka does not act immediately, pensioners will continue to suffer.

If the 1,900 pensioners do not unite and fight for justice now, there is a real danger that Mysore University may completely stop paying pensions in the future.

It is high time that all pensioners unite and demand action. They must either request that the Karnataka Government release Rs. 108 crore annually for pension payments or ensure that pensions are paid through HRMS (Human Resource Management Systems), just like any other Government pensioner.

If these steps are not taken, the 1,900 pensioners will be forced to approach the High Court, seeking a direction to both the Government and  Mysore University to disburse pensions on the 31st of every month without fail.

—Badri Narayan

Mysuru

4.9.2025