'Tale of dues' behind Lucknow University's vibrant facade

Lucknow University, having attained a NAAC A++ grade, sports a vibrant facade, but its internal image tells a 'tale of dues'. As construction work took precedence for the past two years, several teachers are still awaiting their dues for invigilation work, question paper setting/evaluation and examiners duty in practicals/viva for a minimum of two to three sessions.

Lucknow University Associated Colleges Teachers' Association (Luacta) president Manoj Pandey added: "Rs.1.65 crore is pending for teachers who were involved in invigilation duty during semester examinations and ₹70 lakh of teachers engaged in evaluation is also pending. This delay could be because of fiscal constraints which the university has reportedly been facing," he said.

Dues of more than 3,000 teachers are pending for two to three sessions, stated assistant professor of Shia PG College Amit Rai.

"Under scrutiny, university teachers, with the help of and private colleges are engaged in several activities such as invigilation, assessment, question paper preparation and others. The delays have led to teachers disinterested in assuming duties, which can affect the academic performance of students, particularly when experienced teachers are not very keen to prepare question papers," he added.

"While other universities are paying dues within a week of examination process completion, why is there a delay at LU? Though grants were never high, the fund to pay the dues is used towards other expenses, sometimes," said Rai.

Prof Vikram Singh, Botany professor at Jai Narain PG College, said because of tardiness in the process many teachers have ceased providing inputs to the examination process.

Pradeep Sharma, a teacher at Shia PG College, also opined that although some teachers, with a certain attitude, receive payment in time, others are required to go from pillar to post.

"Some of the teachers are finding it difficult to pay their bills. Even if the bills are passed from one department, they get another for months," he said.

When questioned regarding the issue, university spokesperson Prof Mukul Srivastava stated: "The university is taking cognisance of the matter and a solution will be provided shortly."