TNR News Network
Shimla:
A wave of anger has swept through Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) after nearly 200 outsourced employees were abruptly relieved of their duties without prior notice.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the Himachal Pradesh University Teachers’ Welfare Association (HPUTWA), which has come out in strong support of the affected staff.
In a statement, HPUTWA president Nitin Vyas said that several outsourced employees, some of whom had been serving the university for over eight to 10 years, approached the association to voice their frustration and anguish over the university’s sudden decision.
Vyas noted that although the outsourcing contracts had been renewed regularly in the past, this was the first time that employees had been subjected to a mandatory six-day break, a move that had caused widespread resentment. “These employees are not just workers, but an essential part of the university’s ecosystem, having dedicated several years of their lives to its functioning,” he said.
Adding to the workers’ distress is the lack of prior communication. According to the HPUTWA, the university issued an immediate termination order without any formal notice period, leaving many families in uncertainty, especially during the ongoing festive season. “This abrupt action has disrupted not only their employment but also their family lives,” said Vyas.
The association further stated that the absence of these employees has already begun to affect daily operations. Essential services in departments like the faculty house and construction wing have reportedly come to a standstill, causing significant disruptions.
The HPUTWA has urged the university administration to reconsider its decision and reinstate the outsourced employees without delay. “We stand firmly with these workers during this difficult time and appeal to the authorities to restore their services at the earliest,” Vyas said.
