Pay boost for teachers

Ranchi, Feb. 3: The science and technology department has decided to revise wages of part-time teachers of government-run engineering colleges and polytechnics in a bid to improve the quality of teaching. The revised scale will become effective from the new academic session.

The wages of part-time teachers were last raised in May 2002. At present, they get Rs 150 per lecture in both engineering colleges and polytechnics. However, the maximum payment permissible to a part-time teacher in an engineering college is Rs 6,000 per month and Rs 5,000 per month at polytechnics.

According to the new scale, the teachers will get Rs 250 per lecture. The maximum payment will be Rs 12,500 per month in keeping with a directive of the finance department.

"A part-time teacher will not get more than Rs 12,500 per month even if he/she is working at more than one state-run institute. This will also be applicable for those engaged in other academic works like tutorial classes, invigilation and lab supervision," said science and technology minister Chandra Prakash Choudhary.

Replying to another question, the minister said appointment of such part-time teachers who are already engaged in some other engineering college or polytechnic will be discouraged. Besides, AICTE norms and reservation rosters will be strictly followed during appointments.

On the appointment process for part-time teachers, engineering colleges and polytechnics concerned will have to invite applications through advertisements in local dailies and directors or principals will have to certify that all set norms were followed.

Appointments will be made for a particular academic session and part-time teachers will not have special claims on regular posts. However, if their performances are satisfactory, they may be hired on contractual basis. "I have already approved the proposal. Only, a cabinet nod is awaited. Thereafter, we will ask engineering colleges and polytechnics to begin the process of appointing part-time teachers," Choudhary added.

Asked when appointments of regular teachers will be completed, he said: "A proposal to fill up vacant posts at all engineering colleges and polytechnics was sent to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission long back. But it is already overburdened with work."