NIE-IT employees allege denial of entry into campus; management says institution is closed

The Hindu

2 days ago

Several employees of NIE Institute of Technology (NIE-IT) gathered outside the campus at Koorgalli in Mysuru on Friday, alleging denial of entry. However, the management claimed that the institution had been closed from this year.
The protesting employees said around 40 teaching and 55 non-teaching staff members had been serving in various positions in NIE-IT for several years since the institution was established in 2008.
The teaching and non-teaching employees of NIE-IT were deputed to NIE after the Board of Management initiated a process of merger of NIE-IT and NIE in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2022.
The employees, who claimed they discharged their responsibilities at NIE from 2022 to 2025, initiated a legal battle questioning the merger process when the NIE Board of Management took several actions 'illegally'. The protesting employees complained that the management failed to consider their combined seniority in both institutions.
Complaining that the management had denied their entry into the campus since Thursday, the employees said the developments were 'deeply concerning', affecting their 'job security and future'.
Management clarifies
Meanwhile, the honorary-secretary of NIE managing committee Uday Shankar, in a statement, said a decision had been taken to close down NIE-IT, which comes under a foundation.
All approvals have been taken from AICTE (part of UGC), Visvesvaraya Technological University and the State government for progressive closure, he said, adding that the college had been closed this year as per norms.
'Simultaneously, as per guidelines of statutory bodies, The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Manandavadi Road, Mysuru, had taken the physical Infrastructure of the NIE-IT on lease, and is expanding the educational services on the north campus,' the statement said.
'The employees of NIE-IT were offered a voluntary Separation Scheme with a substantial financial package, and also suggested that they apply for jobs and take part in the selection process. Those who have not taken voluntary Separation Scheme had been relieved from the job with financial benefit,' Mr. Shankar said, while pointing out that the case was pending in the High Court.