MKU Pensioners and Faculty Protest in Madurai Over Delay in Salary and Pension Payments

MADURAI, June 2, 2025 – A group of retired and serving staff from Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) gathered on the university campus today to protest against delays in the disbursement of their monthly salaries and pensions. The demonstration, organized jointly by the MKU Pensioners Association and the Madurai Kamaraj University Faculty Association (MUFA), brought attention to the growing concern over financial uncertainty faced by both current and former university employees.

The protestors expressed their frustration over the consistent delay in receiving their monthly payments, which they say has disrupted their financial planning and caused emotional distress, especially among retirees dependent solely on pension.

Faculty and Pensioners Demand Timely Payments

Protesters emphasized that they are demanding nothing more than what is due to them: timely and regular disbursement of salaries and pensions at the end of each month, as per standard government norms.

Speaking from the protest venue, several pensioners said, “We were informed today that there may be further delays in receiving our payments. This is not just a financial issue—it’s a matter of dignity for those who have spent decades in public service.”

Faculty leaders Dr. Muniyandi and Dr. Sadasivam, representing MUFA, publicly voiced their support for the protest and called on the university administration to urgently address the payment issue with the concerned state authorities.

University Officials in Meeting with State Authorities

According to sources at MKU, the Registrar and Finance Officer of the university are currently in Chennai attending a high-level meeting along with officials from other state universities. The meeting, believed to be organized by the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department, is expected to address financial constraints and funding delays affecting higher education institutions across the state.

This gathering is seen as crucial in determining how quickly pending dues for salaries and pensions can be cleared not just at MKU, but across other public universities facing similar issues.

Systemic Issues in University Funding?

While the protest highlights the immediate struggle of MKU employees, it also reflects broader systemic challenges in public university funding across Tamil Nadu. Several state-run institutions have reported cash flow disruptions, often attributed to delayed budget allocations, rising operational expenses, and administrative delays at the state level.

Observers say the state government and university authorities need to improve financial planning and digital accountability to prevent recurring issues like this.

Appeal to the Government

The protestors have appealed directly to the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take urgent action. They have requested that salary and pension processing be prioritized and streamlined through better communication between university finance departments and the state treasury.

“We are not protesting for bonuses or benefits—we are simply asking for what is rightfully ours to arrive on time,” said one MUFA representative.

Conclusion

The protest at Madurai Kamaraj University has drawn attention to the mounting concerns over delayed payments for staff and pensioners, a problem that may reflect deeper issues in university financial management across Tamil Nadu. With senior officials currently in discussions in Chennai, the affected employees are hopeful that a solution will soon be implemented.

Until then, the demand remains clear: respect the contributions of educators and retirees by ensuring timely and reliable compensation.