Scores of degree colleges in State have no regular principals

Official says govt will take decision soon on permanent appointments

For the past 20 years now, N R Balikai of SJMV Mahanta Arts and Commerce College, Dharwad has served as a college teacher.

About four years ago he was appointed the principal of the college. However, the appointment was only an in-charge responsibility and not a permanent one.

“A principal works like a donkey but without any rewards. We have to satisfy students, teachers, parents and the public. But, we do not get benefits accordingly. It is an extra burden on us,” said Balikai. 

Not a isolated incident

Balikai’s case is not an isolated one but that of a large number of ‘in-charge’ principals in a scores of private aided and government first grade colleges in the state.     
     
Sources in the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE) confirmed that as many as 153 first grade colleges out of the total 360 in the State have temporary, in-charge principals.
The situation with regard to private aided colleges is far worse, if principals’ and teachers’ associations are to be believed.

“Out of the 300-odd private aided colleges, only 80 have approved and regular principles. This is severely affecting the functioning of college administration,” said B S Srikanta, president, First Grade College Principals' Association and principal, RBANMS First Grade College, Bangalore.

Sources in the DCE too did not completely deny the authenticity of these numbers.
The problem, many professors say, is due to the government not taking a concrete decision on the matter. According to B L Bhagyalakshmi, director, DCE, the state followed the seniority policy in recruiting principals.

However, in 2009, the State adopted the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Regulations, 2006.

“Even though the government passed an order adopting the UGC regulations it did not fully implement them. The UGC guidelines provide for direct selection of principals based on certain criteria such as the person should hold a PhD and have 15 years of work experience. The government, however, is yet to decide whether to follow the seniority policy or the direct selection policy,” said Srikanta.

Administration affected

According to academic experts, it is the colleges that stand to lose the most due to the lack of a clear leadership. Fixing of responsibilities, discharging duties in an efficient manner and giving definite direction to administration depends on the principal, they opined.

“My present status does not allow me to take important and bold decision regarding my college's welfare and administration. Moreover, there is no recognition for your work as a principal,” said Balikai.

No response

While associations such as the one headed by Srikanta and, the Karnatak University College Principals’ Association of which Balikai is the president, have sent many letters to the government on the issue, there has been no response.

“They say that modalities are yet to be worked out. In any case, they may have to modify the UGC guidelines to suit the conditions in the state,” said Srikanta.

“Several meetings have taken place on the issue and the government will soon take a decision. It may require an amendment to the Cadre and Recruitment rules of the department as well,” said Bhagyalakshmi.