Mangaluru PU College Principals and Lecturers Announce Boycott of Evaluation Work
In a significant development affecting pre-university education in Karnataka, principals and lecturers from PU colleges in Dakshina Kannada district have unanimously resolved to boycott the upcoming II PU evaluation work. The evaluation process is scheduled to commence across the state on March 22, but staff members will abstain as part of an escalating statewide protest.
Second Phase of Statewide Protest Launched
Naveen Shetty, president of the Dakshina Kannada District PU College Principals Association, announced this decisive action during a meeting held in Mangaluru on Monday. Shetty emphasized that this boycott represents the second phase of a coordinated protest involving educational professionals throughout Karnataka.
The core grievance centers on the government's recent decision to transfer administrative control of district PU education department's deputy director offices to zilla panchayats. According to Shetty, this move effectively threatens the very existence and identity of the PU education department, which has earned national acclaim for its quality.
Multiple Demands and Planned Demonstrations
In addition to the evaluation boycott, lecturers plan to launch parallel protests beginning March 22. These demonstrations will occur either in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office or at the mini vidhana soudha, with participants demanding:
- Immediate withdrawal of the file proposing administrative transfer to zilla panchayats
- Restoration of departmental autonomy and identity
- Consultation with expert committees before implementing structural changes
- Protection of student welfare through stable educational administration
- Recognition of the department's national reputation and achievements
Shetty elaborated on the concerns, stating, "The government decided to transfer administrative control at the district level to CEOs of respective zilla panchayats. This decision, made without expert studies on pros and cons, undermines our department's identity and existence. It's particularly regrettable from the perspective of student welfare."
Widespread Support and Broader Implications
The protest has garnered substantial backing, with district units of PU college principals, lecturers, and private institutions all extending their support to the statewide movement. This collective action follows a March 8 meeting of the Karnataka State Pre-University College Principals' Association and Karnataka State Pre-University Lecturers' Association, where the second phase of protests was formally decided.
Chandranath M, district working president of the PU College Lecturers Association, reinforced the seriousness of the situation, describing the administrative transfer as "a conspiracy to undermine the effective functioning of the department by handing over control to gram panchayats." He urged lecturers to participate in the evaluation boycott as a mark of protest against what they perceive as detrimental policy changes.
The protesting educators argue that Karnataka's PU education system has achieved remarkable recognition nationwide, attracting students from other states. They contend that recent government directives have gradually eroded the department's strength rather than fortifying it, potentially compromising educational standards and administrative efficiency.
Any structural modifications to such a crucial educational department should be based on comprehensive expert committee reports, according to the protesting staff. They maintain that implementing changes without proper study and valid justification not only jeopardizes the department's future but also disadvantages the students who depend on its consistent excellence.
