Pics by Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Dec 7: The Guest Lecturers Welfare Committee of the state government's degree colleges staged a peaceful protest to address long-standing issues seeking solutions to pending and ongoing issues.

The demonstration was led by Dheeraj Kumar, president of the committee, Dr Vinod, district vice-president, Mahantesh Didamani, secretary of the Welfare Committee, and Madhav K, former president of the Guest Lecturers Welfare Committee.

The protest began near the Clock Tower, with speakers expressing concerns about job security and working conditions. The delegation wishes to file a formal complaint with the Deputy Commissioner, pointing out their demand for immediate attention to their grievances.

"Many of those gathered here have devoted 15-20 years to this profession, acquiring multiple degrees, including NET, JRF, and Ph.D. Despite our qualifications, we are paid very little. Furthermore, our appointments are semester-based and promises made by previous governments have gone unfulfilled." said Dheeraj Kumar.

"When the previous government was in power Siddaramaiah had promised job security for teachers. If their party came to power, we were hopeful and now we are waiting for those promises to be fulfilled. However, no concrete steps have been taken by the current administration to ensure our job security. We are looking for assurances and security for our profession." said Sathish, a lecturer at Carstreet College.

"The situation is heartbreaking. The government has not responded to our concerns. We are embarrassed in front of our students, and changing careers in our 40s is not an option," said Geethakshi, a lecturer at Carstreet College.

"If our demands are not met, the protests will escalate, causing disruptions to regular academic activities. We call for unity among all lecturers to strive collectively for improved working conditions and the overall enhancement of education quality in government colleges," she said.