The Karnataka State Government First Grade Colleges Guest Lecturers’ Association has warned the State government of staging an indefinite strike if their issues are not addressed.
At the meeting held on Friday, the office bearers of the association decided to stage an indefinite strike at the state-level if the State government fail to address their demands. “There are more than 10,000 guest lecturers working at government degree colleges across the State. But the State government is not bothering to address our issues. So, we have decided to stage an indefinite strike,” said Rajashekara Murthy, honorary president of the Association. “We will wait for some time and see if the government acts positively, otherwise we will discuss with all our members and finalise the strike dates,” he added.
The commissioner for collegiate education visited the meeting venue in the city and received representations from the lecturers. After listening to the lecturers, Commissioner B G Nanda Kumar said, “The proposal regarding increasing pay scale for guest faculty is already before the government. About other demands, we will discuss with the higher education minister.”
Nanda Kumar also said, “It is better to look at alternate job opportunities as the post of guest lecturers is purely on temporary basis. If the existing vacancies of lecturers is filled, there is no question of guest faculty.”
No unity among Guest Lectures
Owing to differences two groups have been formed. One is Karnataka State government First Grade Colleges Guest Lecturers’ Association and another is Government First Grade Colleges Guest Lecturers’ Federation.
Speaking to Express Ravikumar, president of the Federation said, “We are the only registered body and they have started the Association just a month ago. Till October 6, 2013, only the Federation was there and due to some indifferences some members went out and created a new association taking support from Democratic Youth Federation of India.”
However, Ravikumar said that the demands are same.
Demands
■ Government should provide job security for guest lecturers
■ While appointing lecturers the government should consider MPhil qualification
■ Implement UGC scale for guest faculty
■ Release salaries for all the 12 months
■ Provide compensatory marks for guest lecturers in regular appointment