Hike likely in guest lecturers' salary

An imminent impasse between the State government and over 1,000 guest lecturers of degree colleges has been averted for the time being, with the government agreeing to consider some demands of the lecturers.

Senior officials of the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE) held a meeting with the representatives of guest lecturers on February 13, in which Higher Education Minister R V Deshpande and Principal Secretary (Higher Education) Rajneesh Goel were also present.
An official from DCE said the salaries of the guest lecturers were likely to be increased, but the quantum of hike was yet to be decided. The lecturers have been demanding a salary of Rs 25,000 per month. However, the government has adopted a “cautious approach” on the demand for regularising their services.

“The prevailing rules do not provide for regularising the services of guest lecturers though it was done in 1993 and 1994. This demand will be considered in the light of the existing legal framework. However, they can be given weightage during appointment to the posts of lecturers,” the official said. The lecturers have also been allowed to continue with their services till next year without a screening test.

Karnataka State Government Degree College Guest Lecturers’ Association vice president Lokesh P C said that interviews were being conducted every year to recruit guest lecturers and this year the government had allowed them to continue in service without such interviews.

Guest lecturers held several protests last year urging government meet their various demands.