Staff unpaid for 11 months as grants crunch hits Hampi Kannada varsity in Karnataka

Hosapete (Vijayanagara): Hampi Kannada University is facing a severe financial crisis, leaving about 130 outsourced employees unpaid amid prolonged delays in govt grants.Established as the state's only language research university, it reportedly did not receive adequate financial assistance for over a year, crippling routine administration and salary payments. University authorities said salaries for outsourced staff had been pending for 11 months, for temporary employees for six months, and for guest lecturers for five months. The university needs over Rs 3.1 crore to clear dues and has made repeated representations to the govt.
However, the finance department cited a lack of funds. The university now expects relief in the state budget to be presented in March. Vice-chancellor DV Paramashivamurthy said he hoped the issues may be addressed at the governor's meeting with university VCs in Bengaluru on Feb 21.Officials said the govt earlier provided Rs 8–9 crore for salaries, but the allocation has dropped to Rs 3–4 crore, which they termed inadequate. The university requires Rs 45 lakh per month for temporary staff salaries and an additional Rs 2–3 crore for daily operations and project expenses.The financial strain has hit research work and exposed a severe faculty shortage. The VC said nearly half the teaching staff had retired and about 80% would retire within three years. He stressed the need for permanent faculty appointments and said the lack of funds had compounded the university's challenges.In earlier years, the university received only a fraction of its sanctioned grants, leaving it unable to clear electricity bills, property taxes, and salaries. Power supply was once disconnected over Rs 98 lakh in unpaid electricity charges.The university will hold its 34th convocation on Feb 25, with expectations that the higher education minister and the governor may offer assurances of financial support.Responding to the situation, Paramashivamurthy reiterated his concern over growing challenges. He said nearly half the faculty had already retired, with 80% set to retire in the next three years, and reiterated the need for permanent appointments. He said the shortage of funds had worsened the crisis.