BENGALURU: Private aided First Grade Colleges in the state are no longer allowed to appoint those not qualified for the post as principals. A recent circular issued by the state Department of Collegiate Education, has directed all the colleges to stick to the norms.
As per a circular issued by the department, colleges need to appoint qualified PhD holders with service seniority as principals. According to information available from the department, most private aided colleges have appointed non-PhD holders as principals.
The circular says: “Following the increasing number of cases in the courts by the aspirants/eligible candidates for the principals’ posts, the department is issuing an official circular asking colleges to consider eligibility and qualification while appointing principals even though they have not been appointed on a regular basis.”
A senior official from the department told Express, “The number of aided colleges is almost equal to government colleges and if the post is aided, then the salary needs to be paid by the government. However, for the post of principal, it is mandatory for the candidate to have PhD with service seniority and we have asked them to follow it.”
As per a circular issued by the department, candidates/faculties are submitting representations to the managements concerned requesting to consider them.
One of the professors from Vijaya College told Express, “The order is relevant. Managements must take into consideration seniority and merit.”