Imphal, October 23: Chief Minister O Ibobi has blamed previous Governments for the plight being endured by Government College part time lecturers.

The existing problem is an offshoot of wanton appointment of part time lecturers by the preceding Governmeats with their views only on money, alleged the Chief Minister.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of the 16th general conference of Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI) at Nagaram, Ibobi clarified that the part time lecturers were not terminated from service by the SPF Government with the intention to victimise them.

He said that they were terminated as per the directive of the Supreme Court and keeping in view the UGC guidelines.

He explained that the part timers were terminated as there was definite intimation from the UGC that financial assistance to colleges/university would be stopped if the teachers/lecturers who did not meet UGC criteria and qualifications continue to serve in colleges/university.

UGC even warned to de-recognise the colleges/university of the State, if such service irregularities were not rectified immediately, Ibobi said.

Further, there was a ruling of the Supreme Court which prohibits regularisation of teachers appointed earlier on contract or part time basis through 'special DPC'.

Nevertheless, he informed that the service of part time lecturers has been extended by six months.

The Chief Minister also flayed those teachers who have been in service for more than 10 years for their failure to complete MPhil or clear SLET so as to make themselves eligible for their posts as per the guidelines laid down by UGC.

Adopting a hard stand against those involved in theburning of DM College of Science and Imphal College, Ibobi assured that the perpetrators would never go unpunished whether they were students or teachers.

He called them the dumbest of all criminals.

Even as the previous Governments left behind a number of problems for the SPF Government to inherit, the Chief Minister declared that the SPF Government would not leave behind a single paise as overdraft as and when its tenure matures.

He pledged that the SPF Government would not indulge in any activity that would have ill consequences on the coming Governments.

In recognition of the endeavours of Reuben Mashaba and his young to popularise Tangkhul folk music and culture, the Chief Minister gave the father-son a sum of Rs 10,000 besides extending Rs 50,000 in aid to the TKLI.

The conference was opened with a folk song presented by Reuben Mangshaba and his son.

The inaugural function was also attended by MLA A Aza, MLA Nongthombam Biren and president of TKLI Tamsing Vashum as guest of honour, special guest and president.

The general conference which would continue till October 25 will also feature debating, quiz, talent show and other cultural items.

Moreover, new office bearers of TKLI would also be appointed during the conference.

Comment