8 a.m. timetable for colleges to be withdrawn

The Higher Education Department will withdraw the new timetable that mandated government first-grade degree colleges to start classes at 8 a.m.

Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi told The Hindu that he had asked the department officials to withdraw the order and ensure that classes are held as scheduled at 10 a.m., following opposition from a section of lecturers and students. Some of the office-bearers of Karnataka Government College Teachers’ Association met the Mr. Rayaraddi on Monday to discuss the issue.

On Monday, which was the first day of the new academic year, colleges received mixed response regarding the new timings. While some colleges began classes at 8 a.m., many could not start on time as students did not turn up.

Students in 411 government first-grade degree colleges had to attend lectures at 8 a.m. starting this academic year. It was previously at 10 a.m.

At the Government Science College, some classes were scheduled at 8 a.m. but started 15 minutes past eight. A lecturer said that many students were happy with the new timings as they could take up jobs in the evening to supplement their income.

But a student from Government Arts College said: “I work as domestic help in the mornings and come to college. So coming at 8 a.m. is not practical for me.”

‘Take students opinion’

The Karnataka Government College Teachers’ Association, which initially opposed the move, have toned down their stance.

“A decision needs to be taken locally by taking the opinion of students,” said H. Prakash, president of the association.