Palampur – A serious standoff is brewing between the faculty of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University (HPAU), Palampur, and the state government.
The Teachers’ Association (HPAUTA) has written directly to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging him to withdraw the Special Leave Petition filed by the government in the Supreme Court.
The bone of contention? The government wants to transfer 112 hectares of university land—currently used for research and academic purposes—to the tourism department for developing a tourism village.
The High Court had earlier stayed the land transfer, but the state has now challenged that in the apex court.
Professors argue this land is vital for ICAR-funded research projects and for expanding infrastructure as per the New Education Policy.
They claim the move is a blow to agricultural science in the hill state, especially as no alternative land has been allocated to the university.
“Why build a tourism village on research land when barren government land lies unused nearby?” questioned a senior faculty member.
This tussle is likely to heat up in coming days as teachers rally support from students, scientists, and political allies.
