RGNUL faculty threaten strike over administrative transparency

Faculty members at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL) in Patiala have threatened a pen-down strike, citing a lack of transparency in administrative matters and academic governance.

In a letter sent to Vice-Chancellor Jai S Singh on August 10, faculty members alleged a decline in the institutional environment and criticized the implementation of new mandates without stakeholder consultation. Specific grievances include claims of favoritism regarding recent promotions, where one member was reportedly promoted to associate professor only a year after a previous promotion while other eligible candidates have been overlooked since 2022.

The faculty also questioned the university’s expenditure, alleging that significant government funds have been spent on foreign trips and conferences of “questionable relevance” without tangible benefits. The faculty has requested the intervention of Chancellor Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the university authorities.