Raviprasad Kamila / The Hindu

Mangalore, Jul 24: The Government has not paid salary to guest teachers appointed to government degree colleges in the State for the year 2005-06, sources in colleges under Mangalore University.

In 2004-05 guest teachers were paid Rs 1,200 for eight hours a week. Till 2004-05 the principals of respective colleges would interview candidates and select them. The names of chosen candidates were referred to the regional offices of the Joint Directors of Collegiate Education for salary.

But the Government passed an order bringing the regional offices of the Joint Directors of Collegiate Education under the respective universities in the State.

The Government asked the universities to conduct interview for guest teachers for 2005-06 and refer the names of chosen candidates to the offices of regional Joint Directors of Collegiate Education for payment of salary.

The government had said that the universities would only have academic control over them while the department would control administration, finance, salary and other aspects.

The Government had proposed that it would increase the salary for guest teachers from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 in 2005-06. But so far those teachers have not been paid salary.

Last year 85 guest teachers were appointed in 18 colleges and these teachers have not been paid salary. Sources said that there was a need for 161 guest teachers for the year 2006-07.

Government colleges have failed to attract good quality guest teachers owing to low salary. The first year degree classes started a month ago but the colleges and are facing shortage of teachers.