Mangaluru: Mangalore University has reportedly incurred a financial loss of ₹26 crore due to the unauthorised appointment of contract and temporary staff between 2018 and 2023, according to a report submitted to the university’s syndicate committee.
The recruitment significantly inflated staff numbers, allegedly without obtaining clearance from either the syndicate or the state government. This irregularity surfaced during a government audit, which instructed the university to reduce the excess manpower.
Following the audit recommendations, the university began laying off surplus staff. Syndicate member Raghuraj, who raised the issue, claimed that 359 extra staff were hired during the period in question. “Our initial assessment places the loss at over ₹30 crore. We’ve requested the finance department to reverify the figures and submit a revised report at the next meeting. We also sought the official syndicate resolution that approved these appointments,” he stated, adding that a formal inquiry will be proposed.
Finance Officer Y Sangappa confirmed that 144 temporary staff, mostly in lower clerical roles, have already been terminated following government directives. “Currently, 230 temporary and contract staff remain, essential for day-to-day operations,” he said.
The university has 476 approved non-teaching posts and 273 teaching positions, though several are vacant due to retirements. In the current academic year (2024–25), 24 employees retired, but due to severe fund shortages, the university is struggling to pay ₹14 crore in retirement benefits for permanent staff.