65 ‘ineligible’ extension lecturers dismissed in Haryana

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, September 14

The Department of Higher Education has terminated the services of more than 65 “ineligible” extension lecturers working at government colleges across the state for the past several years.

‘Action reeks of bias’

The state government should allow extension lecturers to work till the regular faculty is appointed. Several ineligible guest lecturers are working in government colleges, but action has been taken against extension lecturers only. Why so? — Ishwar Singh, chief extension lecturers welfare association

They have been dismissed in compliance with a new policy, which was framed on March 4. It re-defined the requirement of workforce on the basis of workload. The policy could not come into force then because of the Covid-induced lockdown. The order to dismiss extension lecturers were issued on Friday last week.

As per the order, the sacked lecturers did not meet the UGC and state government norms nor had they cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET). They did not fulfil another criterion of holding a PhD degree. They were drawing a monthly salary of Rs 35,400.

Sources say there are more than 250 “ineligible” extension lecturers in the state. Others would be dismissed in the coming days, they say.

Extension lecturers were hired to share the workload following the non-availability of NET-qualified lecturers and PhD degree holders.

A sacked extension lecturer said, “As per a High Court order, ineligible extension lecturers cannot be dismissed without the appointment of regular lecturers. The decision is unjustified. The reliving orders must be withdrawn otherwise more than 250 lecturers to make ends meet.”

Asha Malik, principal of Government College in Meham, said five “ineligible” extension lecturers had been relieved from her college following the instructions of the Director General (Higher Education).

Besides, six extension lecturers of Government College, Rewari, and three of Government College, Bawal, were relieved on Saturday.

Raising objection, Extension Lecturers Welfare Association president said, “The state government should allow extension lecturers to work till the regular faculty is appointed. Several ‘ineligible’ guest lecturers are working in government colleges, but action has been taken against extension lecturers only. Why so?”

Ajit Balaji Joshi, Director General (Higher Education), simply said the ineligible extension lecturers had been relieved in view of the new policy and the High Court order.