Retired MU lecturers flag pension anomalies

Mangaluru: Retired lecturers of Mangalore University have raised serious concerns over anomalies in the recent pension revision, stating that it has failed to provide any increase, and in some cases, has resulted in financial disadvantage.The university revised pensions for teachers who retired between July 1, 2022, and July, 31, 2024, and issued intimations accordingly. However, retirees pointed out that any revision in salary or pension is expected to result in at least some increase. Instead, their pensions have stayed at the same level as before, in accordance with the Karnataka govt order dated June 30, 2025. In a release, Manjunatha Pattabhi, retired senior professor and former chairman of the materials science department, and KS Jayappa, former professor of marine geology, expressed resentment over the anomalies, stating that they have caused injustice to retired faculty members. Teachers in state govt educational institutions drawing UGC/ICAR/AICTE pay scales are treated as state govt employees, and post-retirement, as state govt pensioners. As per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations of the state govt, pensions of retired employees were revised with effect from July 1, 2022, with monetary benefits from Aug 1, 2024. While this benefit was extended to teachers who retired prior to July 1 2022, the revision for those who retired after July 1, 2022, was implemented through a separate order dated June 30, 2025. However, the process was delayed in several universities, reportedly due to anomalies arising from this order. Retirees highlighted that the dearness allowance (DA) applicable before revision has been merged into the revised pension for those who retired before July 1, 2022, along with an additional increase. As a result, the DA component post-revision is significantly lower. Due to the revised pension being fixed at the same level as the pre-revised pension, teachers who retired between July 1, 2022, and July 31, 2024, are receiving substantially lower total pensions, reportedly by up to Rs 50,000, compared to those who retired earlier.The retirees stated that this anomaly stems from the June 30, 2025 govt order, and warned that unless it is rectified, it will lead to continued injustice. Emphasising that pension is a rightful benefit earned through service, and not a discretionary grant, they have urged the state govt to address the issue and ensure fair treatment to all affected pensioners.