Udupi: Udupi District Guest Lecturers Welfare Committee president Shahida Jahan sought the state government to ensure service security to guest lecturers working in government colleges.

“Guest lecturers are not happy with the hike in their honorarium. They want job security,” he told reporters.

“The government’s decision to increase the workload from 8 to 15 hours a week will affect many guest lecturers. They are afraid of losing their jobs,” he said.

“With the government’s decision, about 7,250 guest lecturers will lose their jobs. The honorarium is hiked only for those who have UGC eligibility and experience. Those who have less experience and lack UGC NET clearance or PhD will lose jobs,” said Shahida.

“The recommendation of the committee constituted for the purpose is unacceptable,” she said.  

“There is a hidden agenda of the government depicting its announcement as a festival bonanza. In reality, many teachers will lose jobs. The government will pay an honorarium for 10 months. How will we lead a life for the next two more months?” she asked.

President of Kundapur Taluk Guest Lecturers’ Welfare Committee Manikanta said the government had set three years for guest teachers to clear their required examination to be eligible for consideration as ‘lecturers with UGC prescribed criteria’. However, it should also award grace marks to guest teachers appearing for examination as many had years of experience.