Ludhiana, Nov. 26 -- A financial crisis has gripped aided colleges across Punjab, with hundreds of faculty members waiting for salaries for the past four to nine months. The delay in releasing government grants has left teachers facing mounting financial stress, forcing them to take to the streets to demand their dues.

According to the teaching fraternity, 38 aided colleges have not received grants for nine months, while another 98 institutions are awaiting funds for four months. Ludhiana district accounts for 22 of these colleges.

With households to support, loans to repay, and daily expenses rising, educators say the delay has pushed them to the breaking point.

Under the banner of the Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers' Union (PC...