Guest Lecturers Lock Vikram Dev University Gate Over Pay Dispute

Jeypore, Koraput | Oct 24, 2025 — Academic operations at Vikram Dev University came to a standstill today as over 70 guest lecturers locked the main gate in protest, demanding a hike in their monthly remuneration.

The agitation disrupted +3 second-year examinations and regular classes, forcing students to scale gates and use flyovers to access the campus.

The lecturers are pressing for a raise from Rs 500 to Rs 700 per class, amounting to Rs 35,000 monthly.

While the Higher Education Department had approved this hike for other institutions in June, Vikram Dev University allegedly continues to pay the older rate. Protesters also claim they haven’t received salaries for five months, a claim the administration disputes.

Despite intervention attempts by the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and other senior officials, the lecturers refused to relent without written assurance.

A departmental meeting is scheduled for October 27 in Bhubaneswar, but protesters insist on an immediate resolution.

With only 24 permanent faculty members and 70 guest lecturers, the university’s heavy reliance on temporary staff has raised concerns among education experts. They warn that such instability could impact exam results and academic continuity.

The administration maintains that salary disbursement must follow contractual terms and awaits formal directives from the Higher Education Department.