At an emergency general body meeting here here today, the members decided that they would launch a stir if the state government does not back off. At the meeting, the members deliberated on the two issues - the non-payment of pension to PAU retirees, and the ‘PAU land grab’ by the state government.

Said president PAUTA Dr M S Mahal, “There was great anguish and unrest among the faculty members against the step-motherly treatment given to PAU by the so-called ‘farmer friendly’ state government. PAU pensioners have been not paid pension for the last two months, which is highly deplorable. The faculty was of the opinion that non-payment of pension, the tight financial position and negative propaganda against the university’s working is a deliberate attempt to weaken PAU, and force it to surrender its land to the state government for commercialization.”

Added general secretary PAUTA Mukesh Siag, “It is pity that the state government does not deem it fit to pay pension to those who brought about the green revolution. The very people who assured self sufficiency in food grains to the nation are now being harassed. What a shame! The faculty also condemns the misplaced concept of grabbing land in the name of development. Is agriculture no more priority of the state? Is agriculture development, no development?” he questioned.

The members observed that the transfer of university land at the Bhatinda research farm for the construction of a cricket stadium is not development, and should be immediately reviewed.

The faculty pledged full support to the cause of pensioners, and authorized the PAUTA executive to appropriate action in order to safeguard the interest of PAU. Members decided to highlight the achievements of PAU and also its current misery among the general public and the rural masses in particular, to create a strong public opinion against ‘the systematic destruction of this premier institution’.