Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Mar 14: In a surprise move, PU lecturers of Dakshina Kannada district said that they will not boycott the evaluation of answer papers of second PU examinations. The lecturers went a step ahead and said that they are ready to work more, if required, but will never boycott the evaluation keeping in mind the future of the students who have written the examinations.

The association of PU college lecturers had decided to boycott the evaluation of second PU answer papers in the whole state of Karnataka, citing various reasons like the reduction of summer holidays, differences in payment between lecturers of PU and degree colleges, promotion of high school teachers for PU etc. The lecturers of Dakshina Kannada agree for all the grievances put forth by the state PU college lecturers' association, but they are not willing to boycott the evaluation.

K K Upadhyaya, president of DK PU Principals' association, says, "It is not right to boycott the evaluation of second PU answer papers. Especially, when we consider the future of the students who have appeared for the examinations, this is not correct at all. Our demands are there since a long time. But the act of stressing on these and demanding the same have to be met only during the evaluation time is not right. The people's representative, who was elected by us, is with the chief minister. If he was willing, this issue would have been sorted out by now. But he has not worked in this regard. In addition, when ECC is in action, there is not value for this protest."

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J P M Cherian, president of D K Government college lecturers' association, says, "It is true that we are facing the issue of shortage of holidays. But the MLC whom we have elected could have resolved the issue by taking the same up with the CM. Some of our demands have been met by earlier governments. But boycotting the evaluation of papers is not right at all. We are paid TA, DA and payment for correcting the papers promptly by the government. More importantly, we are lecturers. The future of the students is also very important for us. It is not right to put the students in trouble. We are with the department and will work for the students."

This action of the PU lecturers of Dakshina Kannada district should be lauded by one and all as they have shown that the future of the students is above their personal benefits.