Thu May 08 12:11:01 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Guest Lecturers Protest Unpaid Invigilator Duty**
TIRUCHI, Tamil Nadu – Guest lecturers in Tamil Nadu government colleges are protesting the mandatory assignment of unpaid invigilation duties during May, a month when they receive no salary. The issue, highlighted by the All Government UGC Qualified Guest Lecturers Association, affects hundreds of lecturers across the state.
Lecturers report being pressured by exam cells to serve as invigilators for meager compensation of ₹150 per day, despite travel expenses often exceeding this amount. They contrast this with the ₹250 offered by private colleges for the same work. The situation is further exacerbated by the delayed payment for invigilation, issued months after the duty is performed.
The protest also highlights the additional burden of assisting with the admissions process, including canvassing for new students, a task lecturers argue should be handled by paid, regular staff. The association’s president, V. Thangaraj, stated that approximately 75% of government colleges conduct exams annually, perpetuating this yearly issue. The lecturers are urging the Directorate of Collegiate Education to address this unfair practice.
First Piper 