HC upholds regularisation of teaching posts

The Karnataka High Court today upheld the regularisation of 19 teaching posts appointed by the Bangalore University during the Tenth Plan. The court also dismissed the erit Petition filed by one of the Teachers' Associations.

University Grants Commission had sanctioned 19 teaching posts to Bangalore University during the Tenth Plan period. Initially, these posts were to be filled by the University on contract basis as per the guidelines of UGC and Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000, the state government said in a statement. These posts were filled by Bangalore University by following the procedure for regular employment. These posts were advertised in national newspapers on November 7, 2003 and candidates were called for interview. They were selected by the Board of Appointment approved by the Chancellor on the merits of their qualification, teaching experience, research work among others. The Chancellor had approved the appointment under Section 53 of the Karnataka State Universities Act.

In the meanwhile, regularisation of teachers employed under the Tenth plan was approved by the Inter University Board, Government of Karnataka. This board is headed by the Minister for Higher Education and has members from all departments. In its 48th meeting on September 24, 2007, it resolved to regularize the service of teachers mentioned above, since they were recruited by following the proper procedure.

The syndicate of the University also decided to issue orders on November 19, 2010. It was suggested that all universities send proposals for regularisation.

Other universities carried out the regularisartion without any hindrance but it was stuck here due to opposition from casually appointed teachers.