Pune: Sinhgad Engineering College Faculty Announce Non-Cooperation Over 16 Months of Unpaid Salaries

Pune, 5th February 2026: Faculty members at Sinhgad Engineering College have announced a non-cooperation movement, alleging that they have not been paid salaries for the past 16 months, raising serious concerns about staff welfare and the academic functioning of the institution.

In an unsigned statement circulated among stakeholders, teachers claimed they have received “zero salary” for over a year and a half, including both their basic pay and entitled Academic Grade Pay (AGP). They said this was not the first such instance, noting that previous salary delays had also led to protests and work disruptions.

The faculty has urged authorities to take action against the institution’s management, alleging violations of government norms and a decline in academic standards. They said representations have been submitted to the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), seeking cancellation of the institution’s recognition and restrictions on new admissions for the 2026–27 academic year.

According to the faculty, the management has attributed the delay in salary payments to the non-receipt of scholarship funds from the government. However, teachers claim that some funds have already been received and allege that financial constraints are cited primarily during periods of protest, with students and parents being drawn into the dispute.

Teachers said the prolonged non-payment has pushed many into severe financial and psychological stress, particularly given Pune’s high cost of living. Meeting basic household expenses, children’s education costs, and other essential needs has become extremely difficult, they said.

The faculty further warned that academic quality is being affected, alleging that staff shortages have forced the institution to combine multiple divisions and conduct joint classes across branches, directly impacting students’ learning experience.

After repeated appeals reportedly failed to yield results, faculty members have decided to stop delivering lectures and conducting practical sessions as part of the non-cooperation movement. They clarified that while they regret the academic disruption, they should not be held responsible for the situation.

The teachers stated that their sole demand is the immediate release of all pending salaries, adding that normal academic work will resume only after dues are cleared. They have also appealed to students and parents to support their demands, describing it as a matter of basic fairness and professional dignity.