CPI(M) slams Sukhu govt’s move to hire guest lecturers

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh state committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly condemned the state govt's decision to hire guest lecturers in govt schools and colleges. The CPI (M) reasoned on Thursday that since 12,000 lecturer posts are vacant, this decision will not only degrade education quality, but also exploit the educated youth. Sanjay Chauhan, state secretary of the CPI (M), said that the current Congress govt in the hill state is following the same policy as the Modi govt at the Centre and is blindly implementing the New Education Policy.
“Education and healthcare are fundamental drivers of socio-economic progress of any country and state, and the govt must not compromise on these sectors,” he added.
The CPI (M) state unit suggested that permanent recruitment should be made to fill the vacant positions, ensuring that no school, college, or healthcare institution is understaffed to provide quality services. The available data reveals that more than eight lakh educated, unemployed youths are awaiting jobs in the state, with many others preparing for competitive exams after qualifying the UGC-NET/TET, said the party’s statement. The CPI (M) asserted that the govt's decision to hire guest lecturers instead of making permanent appointments is a betrayal of the state's young and talented workforce.
Therefore, the party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the guest lecturer policy.
The CPI (M) pointed out that in 1974, when the state’s population was nearly 36 lakh, the number of employees stood at 1.76 lakh.
“Today, with the population more than doubling, the number of employees has only increased to 1.86 lakh. Therefore, this significant shortfall in staffing has detrimental consequences for public services,” said a party leader.