Over 300 guest lecturers across the state protest against job insecurity, unfair pay

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Guest lecturers in Beng aluru have been protesting for the regularisation of their services for many years.

Their grievances include denial of essential service benefits such as basic salary, dearness allowance, Provident Fund, health insurance, and leave with pay, which are rightfully entitled to other government employees.

Over 300 guest lecturers and the members of the State Government Guest Lecturers Association staged an indefinite dharna (protest) at Freedom Park on Tuesday, demanding fair treatment and recognition of their invaluable contributions.

The guest lecturers hold advanced degrees such as Master's, M.Phil, and Ph.D. They also actively participate in various academic activities, including NAAC work, UUCMS, LMS, and administrative responsibilities, in addition to teaching.

They want the state government to provide them with the basic necessities and not be treated like slaves. To rectify this injustice, guest lecturers have embarked on a “non-violent satyagraha struggle.”

Guest lecturers working in 430 government degree colleges in Karnataka joined together to protest against job insecurities and unfair pay.

The struggle goes beyond monetary concerns. Guest lecturers face challenges such as class allocation issues and administrative obstacles that hinder their work.

To secure justice and liberate their villages from the exploitative Guest System, the guest lecturers have united as an 'Instrument of Victory' through their continuous dharna.

Few demands include... Immediate cabinet approval for the regularization of guest lecturers' services, as promised in the Congress government's manifesto.

Provision of a monthly salary for twelve months until regularisation, along with one casual leave as a monthly benefit.