The guest speakers have waited inordinately for a long time for the Department of Higher Education to explain its position.

They were told they might have to work in May, although their contract did not specify this. Their academic year is mentioned as starting in June and ending in April and their salary is calculated for 11 months, of which April of the previous year is the 11th month. Guest lecturers are “rolled over” each new academic year.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in May 2021, they were asked to work but their salary for the month has not yet been paid. Lecturers are appointed for a consolidated salary of ₹20,000 per month. While the Department of Technical Education has issued an order terminating the contract of guest lecturers, the Department of College Education, under the supervision of the higher schools of arts and sciences, has not yet done so. .

“We have been seeking clarification from the DCE for several days without success. There are no guidelines or standards yet regarding our status,” said V. Thangaraj, President of Tamil Nadu All UGC Qualified Guest Speakers Association.

Last May, guest lecturers were invited to take online courses, but their salary dues have not yet been settled. No less than 5,500 guest lecturers have been appointed from 149 government colleges of arts and sciences. Of these, 4,804 are in 108 government colleges and receive their salaries from the respective principals through the DCE. At 41 institutions that were formerly constituent colleges, visiting lecturers receive their salaries from the affiliated university. The Department of Higher Education has urged universities to pay the stipulated salary, Mr Thangaraj said.

He pointed out that at Annamalai University, which has since been taken over by the government, professors who have been appointed beyond the authorized posts, receive equal pay for equal work.

“Although technically we shouldn’t be back until the second week of June when colleges start, we get called for the admissions process at the start of the month. In addition, in May, we are asked to undertake examination-related work. Yet our salaries are delayed,” Mr. Thangaraj said.

Last May, lecturers were asked to deliver lectures online and also receive hard copies of student responses, he added.