THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS NEW ON 18 JULY 2014
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BANGALORE: From now on, it is mandatory to clear the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) to teach in undergraduate colleges.
To improve the quality of teaching at higher education level, the Karnataka State Council for Higher Education has taken this decision in its meeting held recently, a source said.
The meeting was headed by Higher Education Minister R V Deshpande and all the vice-chancellors of the state universities were present. As per the existing norms, if the candidates have PhD degrees then they are eligible to teach in colleges affiliated to state universities. However, from the next recruitment this criterion will not work and only candidates who have NET or SET certificate can apply.
“There are allegations about some universities from other states being awarding PhD degrees by taking money. Considering this, we have forwarded the matter to higher education council for further decision,” mentioned a senior official of the Higher Education Department told Express. But, this decision of the council has not been accepted by the aspirants for the lecturers posts at UG colleges.
“The University Grants Commission (UGC) has insisted on tougher measures in preparation of NET question paper and it is not that easy to clear the test. And UGC also changed the criterion while declaring eligibility,” said Rajath an aspirant who had attempted the NET on June 29.
Reacting to it, Prof Nagaraj, president Bangalore University College Teachers Association (BUCTA) said, “If the government takes such measures, it would be difficult to fill the vacant posts, as the number of candidates with NET or SET is very less in the state.” The number of candidates clearing NET is not even 5 per cent from the state, reveals statistics.
Nagaraj said the association has requested the appointment with higher education minister to discuss the issue. “The government has freezed recruitments since 1989. If they insist such rules, it is difficult to appoint permanent faculties and colleges must depend on guest faculties,” he added.
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