Mangaluru: Students face setback due to delay in guest lecturer appointments in govt colleges

Even as nearly 50 days have passed since the commencement of undergraduate classes under Mangalore University, government colleges are yet to appoint guest lecturers, leading to students facing a shortage of lessons.

The undergraduate classes began on August 12, with private colleges starting their sessions from day one. However, among the 35 government colleges within the university’s jurisdiction, only 30-40% of the faculty positions are filled by permanent lecturers. The remaining 60% (over 600 positions) require guest lecturers, whose appointments have not been made this academic year. As a result, students are struggling due to the lack of teaching staff.

In some colleges, students are sent home after attending only one or two classes, while others have been given extended holidays due to the lack of faculty.

Last year (2023-24), although classes began on August 23, the appointment of guest lecturers was delayed until October 7, after a round of counseling. This led to a loss of 45 days of lessons for students, as guest lecturers were unavailable during that period.

A typical semester consists of approximately 90 working days (three and a half months). With first-semester exams scheduled for December, students in government colleges are now anxious about how they will manage without adequate lessons. Even if guest lecturers are appointed soon, completing the syllabus within the remaining time is another significant challenge.

Why the Delay?
According to sources, the delay in appointing guest lecturers is due to a High Court order requiring that only individuals with qualifications such as NET, SLET, or a Ph.D., as per UGC guidelines, are eligible to teach. Additionally, the process of transferring permanent lecturers and appointing new assistant professors has further delayed the hiring of guest lecturers.

Primary and Secondary Schools: Full Day Classes on Saturdays Until April
In Dakshina Kannada district, to compensate for holidays granted due to heavy rainfall, government primary and secondary schools have started holding full-day classes on Saturdays.

Around 12 holidays were declared in various taluks due to rain. To make up for these lost days, schools have begun full-day classes on Saturdays, which are expected to continue until April. Except for the Dasara holidays from October 3 to October 20, regular classes will be held on Saturdays.