BJP-Backed Employees Union Protests Inequality in Summer Timings at MLSU

Udaipur – A wave of protest has emerged at Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU) as the contractual non-teaching staff represented by the SFAB Employees Union, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)—the labor wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—strongly opposed the newly imposed summer office timings. The union has alleged discrimination and administrative negligence by the university.

According to University Order No. F6(251)/Adm/2025/1390 dated May 3, 2025, SFAB non-teaching staff were directed to work from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM until further orders, due to the ongoing severe summer heat. However, as per another university order dated April 22, 2025 (No. F71/Adm/2025/3126), permanent non-teaching staff were granted reduced timings—from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM—for the same duration.

“This dual policy is not only unfair but life-threatening,” said a senior member of the SFAB union. “Our duties and responsibilities are the same, yet we are expected to endure harsher working conditions.”

The union, backed by BJP's labor organization, has submitted a formal protest to the university registrar and is demanding either restoration of the regular year-round timing of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or parity with permanent staff, i.e., 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM during the summer period.

The union has also questioned why 300 SFAB employees are being forced to travel and work under peak heat conditions, while permanent employees are protected. “If anyone suffers a heat stroke or worse, will the university or the government take responsibility?” the union questioned.

While the Registrar has acknowledged receipt of the complaint, no corrective action has been taken as of yet, prompting the union to consider escalation.

Sources confirm that the BMS leadership at the state level is closely monitoring the situation and may soon raise the issue with the state BJP leadership and the higher education department.

The protest not only reveals a deep divide in treatment between permanent and contractual staff, but also places pressure on the university to respond fairly—particularly as the union enjoys the support of the party in power.