JOIN USCentralised system likely for university recruitments
The State government is contemplating to put in place a centralised recruitment system for filling vacancies in State universities, Higher Education Minister T B Jayachandra said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters here, Jayachandra said that the government was considering the centralised system in the wake of complaints that there was lack of transparency in the recruitment process taken up by individual universities.
However, steps will be taken to ensure that autonomy of universities is protected as the recruitment process will be entrusted to an independent agency and there will be no government interference.
There have been instances where universities took up recruitments in an ad-hoc manner. The new system will put an end to such practices, he added. Jayachandra said that during his visit to London next week, he would study the research programmes undertaken by universities in the UK. He said that the government would see whether the UK model could be replicated in State universities.
Guest lecturers
Jayachandra said 14,000 guest lecturers were working in 483 first grade colleges across the State. The government is making efforts to ensure their job security and also hike their wages.
The proposal will be placed before the State cabinet soon, he said. At present, guest lecturers were being paid Rs 11,500 per month, he pointed out. The minister said there were several legal hurdles in regularising the services of guest lecturers.
He said the government will put an end to the present confusion whether guest lecturers, who had put in several years of service, should be given preference during new recruitments.
He appealed to guest lecturers to withdraw their indefinite strike, planned in support of their demands.
Jayachandra, who also holds the law portfolio, said his department has issued an official notification to set up special courts to try land grabbing cases. However, the Revenue department is yet to identify the required land for the courts.
“The Revenue department principal secretary has promised that the required land will be handed over soon. Once this process is completed, the government will appoint a retired High Court judge, besides judicial and revenue officials, for each court,” he said.
There has been criticism from several quarters over the “delay” on the part of the government in setting up special courts envisaged under Karnataka Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act.
Lokayukta
Replying to a query, the minister said that his office has not received any letter from former Supreme Court judge Justice Vikramjit Sen, excusing himself from being considered for the post of the Lokayukta. He said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will announce the name of the new Lokayukta in a couple of days.