With the non-teaching staff of universities across the state boycotting all exam-related work, students are bearing the brunt as universities have started postponing exams. The Mumbai University (MU) issued a notification postponing exams, which were slated for February 3, until further notice. Shivaji University, Kolhapur, too, has postponed exams. Responding to the universities’ action, the government has said it is a serious matter as it was never intimated about the step. The unions of non-teaching staff, led by the Maharashtra State University and College Employees Joint Action Committee, have demanded payment of pending salaries, filling vacant posts, and implementation of the old pension scheme.

The Mumbai Vidyapeeth Karmachari Sangh (MVKS), a non-teaching staff organisation at MU, said that the agitation would continue if the demands are not accepted. Rupesh Malusare, general secretary, MVKS said, “Currently, only exam work has been boycotted. If the demands are not met, on February 14, employees will participate in a protest during the lunch break. On February 15, they will work wearing black ribbons. On February 16, there will be a one-day strike. If the government does not fulfil our demands, our protest will intensify, and employees will go on an indefinite strike from February 20.” The non-teaching staff staged a protest in the MU complex on Thursday morning.