Udaipur: The contractual and SFS (Self-Financed Scheme) employees of Mohanlal Sukhadia University have urged the state government and university administration to make clear and prompt decisions regarding their appointments and the regularization process. Employees allege that despite years of service, no concrete improvement has been made in their status, and they continue to wait for necessary directives on regularization.
Appointment Process: Since 2004
The appointment of contractual and SFS employees began in 2004 when advertisements were published in newspapers inviting applications. Selected candidates were hired through interviews, and service orders were issued by the university registrar. Despite being in practice for years, employees claim no significant changes have been made to this process.
State Government Directive: Clarity in 2008
In 2008, the state government clarified that contractual employees could be appointed on a fixed salary under a contractual agreement. The university subsequently issued advertisements for various positions. However, employees allege that they were not given full opportunity to participate in this process, and no concrete steps were taken toward their regularization.
Efforts for Regularization: 2022 Directives
In 2022, the state government issued another significant directive, asking for all contractual employees to be brought under contractual rules. It also recommended forming a screening committee to initiate the regularization process. Despite this, the university has not fully implemented these directives. Employees highlight that decisions made during the university's managerial board meetings have yet to be executed, leaving their situation unchanged.
Budget 2023 Announcements by the Chief Minister
In the 2023 budget speech, the Chief Minister announced measures to protect the rights of contractual employees and ensure service benefits. The announcement included implementing contractual rules and ending the practice of hiring on a contract basis. Employees had hoped these announcements would lead to improvements, but no significant progress has been made so far.
Screening and Regularization: 2023 Directives
Another notification in 2023 called for a screening process to regularize contractual employees with over five years of service. While the university formed a screening committee, employees allege it has not been effectively implemented. They accuse the administration of ignoring critical steps, leaving their future uncertain.
Current Status: Long-Term Employees Awaiting Stability
Currently, 327 contractual employees serve at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, including 50 who have been working for 10–15 years. Despite assurances at the time of appointment, they have not been provided a clear path to regularization. Though a selection process and a screening committee were established, the implementation remains incomplete.
Student Challenges Due to Employee Instability
The uncertainty surrounding contractual staff affects students, especially during exams. Many contractual teachers and administrative staff face instability, impacting academic schedules and examinations. Students have urged the university and state government to resolve these issues promptly to prevent further disruptions.
Governor's Directives: December 25, 2024
On December 25, 2024, representatives of the university's employee union, led by President Narayan Lal Salvi and officials including Dinesh Gurjar, Sunita Hingad, Sadhana Mehta, and others, met with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at the Circuit House. They presented their grievances and sought solutions. The Governor immediately discussed the issues with Registrar Vardichand Garg and directed swift resolution of the problems.
Meeting with Ministers: December 28, 2024
On December 28, 2024, a delegation of the university employee union, under the aegis of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, met with Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Prem Chand Bairwa in Jaipur. The delegation, led by Narayan Lal Salvi and supported by members including Dinesh Gurjar, Mohammad Yunus, and Bhuda Ram, highlighted their concerns. Minister Bairwa assured them that no outsourcing agency would be implemented.
The delegation also met Professor Manju Baghmar, Minister of PWD and Child Development, who assured support. Later, they presented a memorandum to Cabinet Minister Babulal Kharadi of the Tribal Affairs Department, who forwarded their grievances to the Chief Minister, assuring timely resolution.
Demand for Immediate Action
The employees demand that their long-term service and dedication be recognized and that the government and university provide job stability. They also emphasize the urgent need for regularization under the directives issued by the state government. Employees warned that further delays could worsen their situation, adversely affecting their families.