Madhesh Agricultural University locked by staff over unpaid salaries

Kathmandu, February 13 — Professors and administrative staff at Madhesh Agricultural University, who have not received salaries for the past six months, have locked the university in protest.

The protesting professors and staff have locked the offices of the university's vice-chancellor, registrar, administrative office, and educational buildings in Rajbiraj, Saptari.

The university has been embroiled in a dispute over the foundation of a new building, leading the Madhesh provincial government to form an investigation committee. Following this, non-educational activities were halted.

Staff, including professors, are demanding salary payments and compensation. Assistant professor Avinash Kumar Yadav stated that despite repeatedly informing the Madhesh government, no action was taken, forcing them to protest. 

Madhesh Agricultural University was established on December 13, 2021, under the leadership of the JSP-Nepal government. However, a dispute arose after JSP-Nepal’s leader Upendra Yadav laid the foundation stone for a new building.

JSP-Nepal leaders allege that current leadership of the Janamat Party has undermined the university.

Currently, 100 students are enrolled in the four-year agricultural undergraduate program. Due to the ongoing dispute, the enrollment process has been halted, and other activities at the university have also come to a standstill.