The state government is coercing unaided college lecturers into evaluating second pre-university course (PUC) examination answer sheets.
Lecturers have received text messages from the CPI (Commissioner of Public Instruction), asking them to immediately report for evaluation in Bengaluru or face the consequences. Lecturers usually get such instructions from their respective colleges.
The message states that the teacher (recipient of the SMS) has been appointed assistant examiner for PU evaluation. “You are directed to report (at the so-and-so college in
Bengaluru) immediately without fail.”
The CPI also warned of punishment if the lecturer fails to report for evaluation. “Please note that the punishment provision under Section 122 of the Karnataka Education Act will be invoked in case of failure to do the evaluation work,” the message states.
It’s unclear why the messages were sent by the CPI who has jurisdiction over primary and secondary education. PU lecturers come under the Department of Pre-University Education. The department is struggling to declare II PUC results by early May as lecturers of government and aided colleges are boycotting evaluation demanding better salaries.
Section 122 says: “Any person who, without reasonable excuse, refuses to do any work connected with any examination and assigned to him, shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.”
Section 28 pertains to duty of employees of educational institutions to do examination work.
“Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force or in any contract or any judgment, decree or order of any court or tribunal, it shall be the duty of every officer, teacher or other employee of every educational institution and every person in the service or pay of or remunerated by any educational institution to do any work assigned to him, in connection with any examination.”
Some lecturers complained that certain officers in the Department of Primary and Secondary Education were threatening to bar them from future recruitment to government service if they refuse to take part in evaluation.
Lecturers are asking their respective colleges for permission to attend evaluation work but most managements are reluctant. They say college-level activities such as CET coaching, regular classes for II PU students, bridge course for SSLC students who opt for PU science will be affected if the lecturers attend evaluation.
“The government has no powers to ask private lecturers to do examination work as the colleges gave an undertaking while commencing operations that they will not seek any grants or financial assistance from the government,” said Basavanagouda, a management representative. But another management representative feared the government might withhold recognition of a college if it failed to spare teachers for evaluation.
PU deputy director S M Salunke said 320 unaided college lecturers in Kalaburagi district had been instructed to report for evaluation.
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