Anna varsity teaching fellows protest enters third day at Madurai campus
Anna varsity teaching fellows continued their sit-in protest for the third consecutive day at the Madurai regional campus, demanding immediate reinstatement and regularisation of their services. The protest has drawn attention to the uncertainty faced by hundreds of teaching fellows who say they were removed from duty without prior notice after December.
The protest is being carried out inside the university premises by teaching fellows working across Anna University’s regional centres in Madurai, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore, along with staff from several constituent colleges. Many of them said they have served the institution for over a decade and were shocked when their services were suddenly discontinued.
According to the protesting fellows, there was no written communication or advance warning before they were denied work. Several said they continued reporting for duty hoping the issue would be resolved, but received no clarity from the administration.
The teaching fellows stated that they were appointed on a consolidated salary basis and were paid between Rs 27,000 and Rs 30,000 per month. Despite their long years of service, they remain outside the regular employment structure, without job security or benefits.
Anna varsity teaching fellows cite court order and demand action
The Anna varsity teaching fellows protesting at Madurai said the issue is not just about reinstatement, but about fairness and dignity in employment. They pointed out that a recent Madras High Court direction had asked the state government to consider regularising their services on par with assistant professors.
Despite this, the fellows said their employment was not extended, leaving them without income. Many of them claimed they have been handling core academic responsibilities, including teaching, evaluation and student mentoring, for several years.
One of the fellows said the sudden removal has affected not only their livelihood but also the academic functioning of regional centres. With experienced teaching staff no longer available, students are facing disruptions in coursework and guidance.
In total, 328 teaching fellows across regional centres and 13 constituent colleges are part of the protest. They said they are united in their demand for a clear decision from the government rather than temporary arrangements or silence.
The fellows also expressed concern over reports that the university may appoint teaching staff on an hourly basis. They argued that such short-term arrangements weaken academic standards and further marginalise experienced educators who have already served the institution for years.
Anna varsity teaching fellows receive support from education groups
The protest has received support from education activists and academic groups. Makkal Kalvi Kootiyakkam coordinator Prof R Murali criticised the decision to discontinue the services of teaching fellows, calling it deeply unfair and harmful to public education.
He urged the state government to immediately reinstate the teaching fellows and stop the practice of engaging faculty on an hourly basis. According to him, such policies weaken higher education and create insecurity among teaching professionals.
Supporters of the protest said the issue reflects a broader problem in higher education, where long-serving contractual staff are kept outside the system despite doing permanent work.
Anna varsity teaching fellows await clarity from government
Responding to the protest, a senior Anna University official said the matter rests with the state government and not with the university administration alone. The official stated that any decision regarding extension of services or regularisation must come from the government.
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This response has left the teaching fellows frustrated, as they say they are caught between the university and the government with no clear answer from either side.
Meanwhile, the protesters said they will continue their sit-in until a formal announcement is made regarding reinstatement and a timeline for regularisation. Also Read: New Moffusil Bus Stand Marks a Major Transport Shift in Dharmapuri in 2026
Conclusion
The Anna varsity teaching fellows protest has entered its third day, highlighting unresolved issues around job security and recognition in higher education. As uncertainty continues, the demand for a clear and fair decision from the state government remains at the centre of the growing protest.
