Mangaluru: Government first-grade colleges in the Mangaluru division are likely to face a faculty crunch, as the appointment of guest lecturers for the new academic year has been delayed. Their previous term ended on Saturday, creating uncertainty just as classes resume.
Despite the state government’s intention to begin recruitment earlier this year—learning from last year’s setbacks—the process was postponed due to complications in the annual transfer of permanent faculty. Legal and procedural issues caused further delays.
Colleges across the coastal region, where the new academic session began last week, have appealed for immediate action. Dr P Dayananda Pai-P Satisha Pai Government First Grade College, which employs over 60 guest lecturers, is among those affected. “With their term ending, and no replacements yet, classes are likely to be disrupted from Monday,” said Principal Jayakara Bhandary.
Student attendance has been around 80% till Friday, with many yet to return due to job commitments or pending hostel allotments, he added.
Officials from the Department of Collegiate Education confirmed that delays in the transfer process stalled guest faculty recruitment. However, transfers have now been completed, and faculty have been placed at their new colleges.
An official stated that, unlike last year—when guest faculty arrived two months late—this year’s notification was issued relatively early. DCE Commissioner N Manjushree confirmed that the calendar for guest faculty counselling will be released soon.