Annamalai University staff in Chidambaram have launched an indefinite strike, escalating their protest over a long-standing list of unmet demands. The action, which commenced on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, sees faculty members, employees, and pensioners gathered in front of the university’s administrative office. This indefinite strike follows a continuous sit-in protest that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of these groups has maintained since August 19. The escalation comes after a perceived lack of action on their grievances, prompting the intensified agitation.
The Chenab Times has learned that the JAC, representing teachers, employees, and pensioners, has presented a comprehensive 15-point charter of demands. Key among these are the immediate disbursement of pending pension payments, which have reportedly not been made for 14 months. The staff are also demanding the settlement of retirement benefits, including commutation, earned leave surrender amounts, and gratuity, which have remained unpaid for years after retirement.
Further compounding the issues are demands for the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission arrears and associated monetary benefits for both teaching and non-teaching staff. The regularization of NMR and consolidated pay for staff who have not been regularised for over 15 years is also a significant point of contention. Additionally, the staff are seeking the immediate grant of promotions and the correct disbursement of CAS promotions and monetary benefits for retired teachers, aligning them with government employees. The university has also been urged to fill vacant administrative positions and replace staff who have completed their tenure.
The protesters have expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises from the State government, which they claim have forced them to take this drastic step. The ongoing academic year has been significantly impacted, with a boycott of examination duties and sit-in protests disrupting university functions. Earlier, on January 22, 2026, the JAC had observed a day-long hunger strike on the campus to press their demands, but with no satisfactory response, the situation has now moved to an indefinite strike and work boycott.
The Chenab Times News Desk