In a bid to alleviate financial strain, Mangalore University (MU) has initiated the termination of approximately 187 contract and part-time staff members, out of a total of about 350 contractual employees. The decision comes after an audit report deemed the appointment of these staff members excessive, citing surplus hiring during the tenure of former vice-chancellor PS Yadapadithaya in 2021.
Responding to government directives to reduce staff numbers amid financial constraints, MU aims to achieve significant cost savings, estimated between Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Vice-Chancellor PL Dharma recently addressed employees, including those on contract, notifying them of the impending terminations. He highlighted the audit objection regarding the excessive appointments and emphasized the necessity of taking corrective action.
During the meeting, Dharma urged affected employees to explore alternative employment opportunities. He also underscored the audit findings, noting instances where contractual staff were found wandering without assigned tasks, arriving late, and leaving early. Discussions regarding the termination decision took place in a syndicate meeting, according to an informed source.
Dharma affirmed that the process of laying off surplus staff is underway and will be completed promptly, aligning with state government directives. He clarified that only recently appointed employees will be affected by the terminations. Additionally, similar measures are planned for guest faculty members.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Dharma emphasized the necessity of cost-cutting measures, stating that termination of services was deemed unavoidable. He reiterated the university’s commitment to efficiency and financial prudence amidst challenging circumstances.
