The State Government is continuing talks with the striking pre-university (PU) lecturers to persuade them to get back to work, keeping disciplinary action as the last resort.
Sources said there have been at least 25 rounds of talks between the two parties.
PU lecturers have been boycotting classes since December 8, demanding the removal of disparity in their salaries in comparison to degree lecturers, among other “longstanding demands”.
Critical for students
The strike is affecting nearly 6 lakh I PUC and 5.5 lakh II PUC students. “It is a critical time. The practical examinations, preparatory exams and the final exams are all coming up shortly. The worst affected are government college students, who will also need remedial classes,” said Director of Pre-University Education Rashmi V. Mahesh.
In its defence, the State Government is citing the salary given to PU teachers in various States to show that the disparity is not much. According to available data, in comparison to Karnataka's Rs. 21,900 (as per the Fifth Pay Commission), first-time lecturers in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which follow the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission, get Rs. 22,379 and Rs. 22,171 respectively. In Andhra Pradesh, where the Ninth Pay Commission is followed, teachers get Rs. 25,693.
Kumar G. Naik, Secretary, Department of Primary and Secondary Education, also pointed out that 15 per cent interim relief had been given already. “The matter is before the Pay Committee and [the lecturers] should wait for the decision of the committee,” he said.
The decision is expected by April 2012.
