Karnataka government has released ₹15 crore to Kuvempu University for pension payments to retired staff. The university had requested ₹29 crore to pay pensions, highlighting ongoing financial strain. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharath Ananthamurthy said, "Kuvempu University has to pay pension to more than 300 retired employees. It has not been able to pay the pension for employees who retired in the last five years." Despite government aid to six universities facing financial difficulties, the university continues under pressure. Prof. Ananthamurthy welcomed the government’s move but stressed the burden remains. Tension flared as Prof. Ananthamurthy criticized University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath’s claim that Kuvempu received more than it deserved. "I strongly oppose his statement. Instead of presenting his demands before the government, passing casual remarks about other universities is condemnable," he said. Prof. Lokanath had claimed Mysore University and Karnataka University worked hard for their grants. Mysore University got ₹25 crore but spends ₹82 crore on pensions. He alleged Kuvempu, Gulbarga, and Mangaluru universities received bigger grants without comparable need. Prof. Ananthamurthy suggested a lasting fix by integrating pension payments into the HRMS system. The pension issue remains a critical challenge for Karnataka’s state universities as they seek fair and sustainable funding.