Protest staged demanding end to disparity in pay

Members of Pre-university College Lecturers’ and Principals’ Association staged a protest demanding an end to disparity in pay outside the deputy commissioner’s office in Kolar on Saturday.

Pre-university college teachers are paid less when compared to lecturers in other states. Despite repeated protests in the past, the government has not paid any attention to the issue, accused the protesters.

“In 2010, the BJP government had constituted a committee led by G Kumar Naik, then the Education department Secretary to look into the issue. The report submitted by the committee found that the lecturers’ basic pay is less than those of other states by Rs 2,500 and recommended that the pay be hiked,” said T K Natraj, the district president of the association.

There are 26,800 pre-university college lecturers in the State. It has been five years since the Kumar Naik committee submitted its recommendations.

However, the State government is yet to put the recommendations into effect. Even a boycott of the evaluation of second pre-university examination has not brought the government to its senses, he lamented.

No separate pay scale
Principals do not have a separate pay scale. They earn the same amount as lecturers. With rising costs of essential commodities, it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to educate their children and lead a contented life. The State government has no concern for the lecturers, the agitators accused.

As per the recommendations of the Kumar Naik committee, the basic pay should be increased to Rs 25,300. Principals should have a separate pay scale. If these demands are not fulfilled, the agitation will be severe.

In the first phase, a dharna will be staged in Bengaluru on January 13.
Later, the lecturers will turn up for examinations wearing a black band. In the final phase, they will boycott the evaluation of the second pre-university examination and launch an indefinite strike, the protesters warned.

The protest was supported by the members of the District Government Employees’ Association.

Pre-university College Lecturers’ and Principals’ Association Honorary President Uday Kumar, vice president Chandrappa, Naganand, chief secretary Sunil, treasurer Ratnappa and others participated in the protest.