Gujarat University assigns census work to contract employees, triggers row

Ahmedabad: A controversy has emerged at Gujarat University after temporary employees appointed on an 11-month contract were assigned census duties, raising questions over procedural violations and administrative pressure. The census exercise is set to begin across the state in the coming days, with responsibilities being allocated to regular staff, including govt employees, professors, and personnel from public institutions. While such duties are assigned to regular employees, sources said many of them reportedly refused to take up the work and insisted their names be withdrawn. So the university administration allegedly removed names of 40 such employees and forwarded the names of temporary employees hired on short-term contracts.

These contract employees have already fulfilled the required technical formalities for the census process. However, senior census officials have clarified that only regular employees, including those appointed for five years with a path to permanency, are eligible for such duties. Employees on short-term contracts, including 11-month appointments, cannot be assigned census duties.

Officials have warned that if any institution is found violating these rules, the submitted names will be rejected, and a fresh list will have to be provided. This could force Gujarat University to resend the names of permanent employees, potentially reigniting tensions. The situation has led to dissatisfaction among temporary employees, some of whom are reportedly considering resignation due to the uncertainty and pressure, sources said.