No classes as faculty’s salary stir on at Gian Sagar medical college

PATIALA: Classes at Gian Sagar Medical College in Banur remain suspended for the past three weeks as the faculty and paramedical staff continue with their protest that started on February 1 over non-payment of salaries since October last.

Last year too, the college saw a massive protest by faculty for over three months because of similar delay in salaries.

Classes were resumed after the management cleared the salary dues and assured the state government of better financial management in future. But the financial prudence of the college, has not improved, faculties say.

The college had given a written undertaking last year to the government about opening a separate fund of students’ tuition fee that was to be used to pay the staff regularly. But sources in the faculty said the hospital of the college is the worst affected as there is no facility even for routine tests. “More than teachers, the students are suffering despite paying a huge fee,” said a teacher, and added, “We are on protest since February 1 and the management is not bothered about it.”

The faculty have approached both the state government and Baba Farid University of Health Sciences to which the college is affiliated, to intervene and find a permanent solution this time.

College dean Dr AS Sekhon said, “I don’t have an answer to why the college’s financial position is bad. Only the management can answer.”

College chief executive Manish Jakhar, said the management will not allow the problem to spill over like last year. “We will certainly pay the salaries in the coming week,” he said.

UP Singh, parent of one of the students, said “It’s high time the government took over the institution. Students can’t be made the scapegoat in this matter.”

When contacted, state director, medical education and research, Dr Sujata Sharma said that she would look into the issue.