Lecturers, under the banner of the Karnataka State Pre-University College Lecturers' Association, who are boycotting II PU evaluation have planned to stage a dharna at the Freedom Park here on Monday.
This comes despite the Department of Pre-University Education on Sunday asking all evaluators to be present at the evaluation centres on Monday, failing which disciplinary action will be taken against them.
Another round of talks with Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Sunday evening too did not yield any solution to the stalemate. The lecturers will meet Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri on Monday.
Improved attendance
Meanwhile, the tough stance taken by the government on Saturday appears to have had some results, with the strength at the 37 evaluation centres seeing an increase on Sunday. Rashmi V. Mahesh, Director of PU Education said that around 30 per cent of the evaluators turned up for work on Sunday.
“Government college principals and lecturers reported to work on Sunday. In Bangalore, all the 17 evaluation centres functioned,” she told The Hindu. She added that the department was hopeful that the attendance would go up further on Monday.
When asked whether the fresh ultimatum would make any difference, Ms. Mahesh said that this time, it was not a mere ultimatum. “We expect them (lecturers) to be there,” she added.
Results
Sources in the department pointed out that had it not been for the boycott, the II PU results could have been announced by April 26. However, now, with two days having been lost due to the complete boycott, it will be a close call for the results to be announced before the Common Entrance Test (CET).
Meanwhile, JD(S) MLC B. Puttanna, who represents a teachers' constituency, at a press conference on Sunday, lashed out at the government for indulging in “pressure tactics”. “We will not succumb to such tactics. The very people who are now issuing ultimatums were involved in forming a committee that recommended changes in the pay scale. Why isn't the government implementing them?” he said.
According to department officials, Mr. Puttanna's stance has vindicated their suspicion that political interest is at play behind the boycott.
