Budget freeze hits salaries at KTU

T'puram: APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) is facing a deep crisis because the govt is refusing to cooperate with interim vice-chancellor K Sivaprasad. The chancellor had appointed him without the state govt's approval, causing a deadlock. KTU staff and pensioners, who didn't receive their salaries and pensions in July, are unlikely to get the same in Aug or receive their bonuses. This is because the university budget hasn't been passed.The financial crisis isn't due to lack of funds, but because the govt won't send officials to the university syndicate meeting. This university syndicate meeting is necessary to approve the budget, which covers salaries, pensions, bonuses and other expenses. As a result, Sivaprasad is even using his personal car for official travel.Though the VC can act on behalf of the syndicate, he cannot pass the budget on his own. The university's board of governance must also approve it. Sivaprasad had approached the high court to resolve this administrative deadlock caused by the govt. The court then issued a notice to the govt, but the case will be heard only after Onam. Meanwhile, the pro-Congress university union and pensioners have also taken the matter to court.State govt previously withheld pension benefits of Digital University interim VC Ciza Thomas for two years after she joined KTU against the state govt's wishes. The Federation of Kerala University Employees Organizations has urged the govt to stop punishing pensioners and employees for political reasons. It has appealed to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and higher education minister R Bindu to intervene urgently and help pass the university budget.

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