Pre-University (PU) college lecturers have opposed the amended Karnataka General Services (Pre-University Education) (Recruitment) Rules, which provide for the deputation of PU lecturers to teach in high schools. The associations of PU lecturers and PU college principals have resolved to stage a protest in Bengaluru in the first week of July against the amended rules.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga on June 23, S. Yogeesh, president of the Shivamogga PU Lecturers’ Association, said the government had framed the rules without consulting lecturers, principals, students, parents, or education experts. The associations, he said, would oppose the unilateral decision taken by the government of Karnataka.

Mr. Yogeesh alleged that the draft rules were aimed at weakening, rather than strengthening, the PU education system. He pointed out that PU lecturers are recruited to the gazetted Group-B academic cadre, and that deputing them to high schools would undermine the existing cadre structure.

“The government has produced no evidence to suggest that the quality of education will improve by deputing PU lecturers to high schools,” he said.

He urged the government to fill vacancies in schools and colleges either through direct recruitment or promotions; create additional posts; and ensure the scientific utilisation of available human resources.

G.F. Kutri, president of the PU College Principals’ Association, Supriya, vice-president of the lecturers’ association, and office-bearers Halappa Suruu, Dinakar, H.A. Madhu, M.P. Prabhakar, and C.N. Rajesh were present at the press conference.