Guest lecturers and regular faculty members of pre-university (PU) colleges in Karnataka have raised strong objections to a recent government order that mandates deputing lecturers from one college to another. The move has sparked fears among guest lecturers that they may lose their jobs, while regular faculties argue that it could lead to the closure of government colleges.
Concerns Over Student-Teacher Ratio
According to the lecturers, the Department of Pre-University Education has calculated the student-teacher ratio in an unscientific manner. They claim that the ratio does not account for the actual number of students in each college, leading to an artificial surplus of teachers in some institutions and a deficit in others. This, they say, is the basis for the deputation order.
Impact on Guest Lecturers
Guest lecturers, who are employed on a temporary basis, fear that the deputation of regular teachers will render them redundant. Many of them have been working for years and rely on these positions for their livelihood. They have demanded that the government withdraw the order and instead recruit more permanent teachers to address any shortages.
Regular Faculty's Perspective
Regular faculty members, on the other hand, believe that the deputation policy will weaken government colleges. They argue that transferring experienced teachers to other institutions will disrupt the academic environment and may force some colleges to shut down due to a lack of qualified staff. They have urged the government to reconsider the decision and engage in dialogue with stakeholders.
Demand for Withdrawal
Both groups have come together to demand the immediate withdrawal of the order. They have planned to submit a memorandum to the education minister and have threatened to escalate their protest if their demands are not met. The issue has also caught the attention of political parties, with some leaders expressing support for the teachers.
The Department of Pre-University Education has not yet responded to the allegations. However, officials have indicated that the order was issued to ensure optimal utilization of teaching resources across the state. They have assured that the concerns of teachers will be examined.
