Withdraw guest teacher recruitment policy: CPM to govt

The state committee of Communist Party (Marxist) on Thursday condemned the state government’s decision to recruit guest lecturers in government schools and colleges, and demanded that the state government withdraw the decision.

In a statement issued here, CPM state secretary Sanjay Chauhan said, “With over 12,000 vacant positions across these institutions, this policy, according to the party, will not only degrade the quality of education in the state but also exploit educated youngsters.”

He said the Congress-led state government was following the same policy as the Prime Minister Narendra Mod-led Central Government, and was blindly implementing the New Education Policy (NEP).

Education and healthcare were fundamental drivers of socio-economic progress of any country and state, and the government must not compromise on these sectors, he added, stating that permanent recruitments should be conducted to fill vacant positions, ensuring that no school, college or healthcare institution was understaffed.

“Data reveals that more than 8 lakh educated, unemployed youngsters are awaiting jobs in the state, with many others preparing for competitive exams after qualifying the UGC-NET/TET. The government’s decision to hire guest lecturers instead of making permanent appointments is a betrayal with the state’s young, talented workforce,” Chauhan said.

The CPM state committee criticised legislation introduced by the Congress Government in the state Assembly during the winter session, specifically The Himachal Pradesh Recruitment and Conditions of Service of Government Employees Bill-2024, and demanded that the government to withdraw the Bill.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of Direct Recruit Class II Engineering Officer’s Association Versus State of Maharashtra and Others (1990), Chauhan said the court had ruled that if an appointment was made after considering all eligible candidates and the appointee remained uninterrupted in service until regularisation, the officiating period must be counted for seniority. CPM also highlighted that various other judgments, including those from the state High Court, had affirmed that services rendered on a contract basis should be counted for seniority, pension and increment.