Vadodara: A strike by temporary employees at MS University took place on Thursday, despite the university registrar declaring the protest illegal and threatening action against the participants. While the temporary workers' union had anticipated around 800 employees joining the strike, only about 100 individuals participated, likely due to the registrar's threats.
In support of the striking employees, Professor Nikul Patel of the Technical Faculty and leader of the Teachers Union BUTA, also joined the sit-in protest. However, university administration refused to allow the employees to stage their protest in front of the main gate of the headquarters. As a result, protesters were forced to relocate near the NCC office, a short distance away from the headquarters.
Addressing the situation, university registrar Dr. Chudasama explained that the university, being a government institution, lacks the authority to make temporary employees permanent. He added that the employees were well aware of this fact. Dr. Chudasama also highlighted that the university had refrained from implementing the rule of recruiting employees through outsourcing, despite government orders, in consideration of the employees' futures.
Last year, the university provided a salary hike for temporary employees following protests, but the employees continue to strike. Dr. Chudasama cautioned that if the strike were to disrupt the university's administration or academic performance, the protesting employees would be held responsible and face disciplinary action according to the rules.
