Karnataka: Teachers association at VIMS threaten strike

Karnataka: The Teachers’ Association at VIMS- Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Science has threatened to go on strike on May 24th. Their demand is payment of salaries, pending for the last two months, as alleged by the association.

There is a reported delay in the salaries of the teachers at the institute. For serving their purpose, the members of the association have had a meeting with the director of the institute. It sought release of the dues of the teaching and non-teaching staff, both. Another matter was brought to highlight during the meeting, concerning the scale and promotions of doctor’s eligible for different posts.

The association members spoke in strong concern of these facts, in view, that any such delays will only hamper the productive environment of the institution.

The reason cited for the delay is another delay on part of the concerned officials. The officials have delayed the process of sharing the budget proposals with the state government. This practice is followed on a periodical basis. This is the prime reason for delay in release of funds for salaries purpose.

In addition, it has also been alleged by the association that the salaries have not been disbursed in a proper manner.

Ashwini Kumar, association president, said to Hindu that for the past seven months, the salaries of teaching and non-teaching staff was not being disbursed properly every month.

He said that he was at a loss to understand the reasons for the delay in disbursing the salary only at VIMS, while it was being paid regularly in other government-run teaching hospitals.

“We have informed the director to arrange for the disbursal of our salaries by May 23, failing which we will stage a dharna in front of his chamber from May 24. This will be the first step of our agitation,” he said.