University of Madras financially stable, has own funds to pay salaries till December: Registrar

University of Madras. File | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

After years of severe financial depression, the University of Madras (UoM) has made “significant progress towards financial stability” and is meeting salary and pension payments from its own income, according to Rita John, the registrar.

“Since April 2026, the university has met its salary and pension obligations through its own income and has allocated funds to cover expenses until December. In addition, based on our expected income, expenditure projections and strategic financial planning, we are working to maintain these obligations through our resources until March 2027,” said Dr. Rita at the celebration of the 170th year of the university at UoM Legacy 170, the University of the Initi.

According to her, the university has come out of a tight financial situation and has managed to complete the printing of 5.5 lakhs to clear all the backlogs of the past years. This year, she was able to enroll at full strength in the math and physics departments, she said.

The Ramanujam Institute of Advanced Study in Mathematics is also set to get a new building soon with four of its alumni funding the redevelopment. A memorandum of understanding with the alumni will be signed soon and the foundation stone will be laid before construction begins. This year is also the 100th year of the establishment of the institute.

Dr. Rita said that during the 170th anniversary celebrations, the university is trying to strengthen its bond with alumni and will actively reach out to them. It also asked the government for ₹100 crore to renovate the Senate.

Dheeraj Kumar, higher education minister, said UoM was the “mother of all universities in South India” and had organic links with most of them. It boasts six presidents of the country and two Nobel laureates as its graduates.

Published – 02 Oct 2026 12:34 IST