Tripura Department of Higher Education has decided to do away with the part time teachers in the general and technical degree colleges whose qualification do not match with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission.

Higher Education minister Keshab Majumdar speaking to the reporters in Agartala said, out of 841 sanctioned posts of college teachers in 19 colleges, only 416 are permanent whereas 425 teachers are part timers. There are some colleges, which are run entirely by part time teachers. The minister admitted, most of the 425 part time college teachers in the state do not posses the mandatory 55 percent marks at Masters level which is a mandatory factor for the post of college teachers.

He also admitted whimsical selection of teachers in the past leading to deterioration of standard of teaching in the colleges. He said, now onward, we have decided to increase the remuneration of the college teachers from existing Rs 3000 per month to Rs 5000 per month but with fresh contracts with new teachers.

With the decision to exclude the 'unqualified' teachers pending, it is now sure that many teachers will lose their job. Though, last year, the teachers resorted to strike demanding regularisation and job security, the government straight forward rejected their plea but decided to continue with them for the time being.

Even though, new teachers would be recruited on part time basis, but it will definitely not settle the issue forever and part time teachers’ job will continue. Reason, there is an absolute shortage of NET/SLET qualified candidates in the state and attempts by TPSC to recruit NET/SLET teachers from outside also failed due to absence of candidates.

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