Latest news with #TamilNaduGovernmentCollegeTeachersAssociation
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Government Order on re-employment of principals, college librarians, physical education directors lauded
The Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers Association (TNGCTA) has welcomed the State's decision to authorise the re-employment of principals, college librarians and physical education directors until the end of the academic year (May 31), rather than on the last calendar date of the staff's tenure. According to the Government Order No.178, issued on July 30, the Commissioner of Collegiate Education requested to allow the re-employment to principals, college librarians and physical education directors until the end of the academic year (May 31), among Joint Directors, Regional Joint Directors, for those whose services had been dispensed with through G.O. No. 192, issued on November 12, 2024, as these staff members were needed to undertake the work related to university examinations and admissions for the next academic year. According to the 2024 G.O., principals (Grades I and II), librarians and physical education directors would retire on the last day of the month when they attained the age of superannuation. Conditional re-employment until the end of the academic year was offered only to the teaching staff. The decision to re-allow employment of principals, librarians and physical education directors would help institutions to function without disruption in the academic year, said many academicians. 'This has been a long-standing demand of the TNGCTA, as retirement of senior staff in the middle of the academic year can stop the flow of work in educational institutions. Immediate replacement of principals, for example, is not possible, and no major decision will be taken by the person in-charge. Similarly, librarians are needed for verifying the stock of books in the institution, and the service of physical education directors' presence is essential to prepare students for the sports competitions usually held at the end of the academic year. We are happy that the Government has listened to the teachers' associations,' P. David Livingstone, TNGCTA State president, said in an official press release. As per the new G.O., the re-employment of principals would be decided by the Director of Collegiate Education (DCE). In the case of librarians and physical education directors, the DCE's decision would be based on recommendations by the respective principals.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Frequent transfers of higher education secretaries in Tamil Nadu a cause of concern
The Higher Education Department Secretary, C. Samayamoorthy, was transferred on Monday (June 23, 2025). He has been replaced by P. Shankar, who becomes the seventh secretary to hold the post in the last two years. In July 2023, D. Karthikeyan was transferred from the department and replaced by A. Karthik. Subsequently, the School Education Secretary held additional charge for a few days. Pradeep Yadav followed, and then K. Gopal was appointed, succeeded by Mr. Samayamoorthy. Now, within months, Mr. Samayamoorthy has been replaced by Mr. Shankar. The frequent change of leadership has left teachers' associations discontented. S. Suresh, president of the Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers Association, said a secretary should serve for at least a year to effectively address issues. K. Raja, general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, noted that the government has made no progress in streamlining fees charged by aided colleges, despite forming a committee for the purpose four years ago. 'None of the secretaries have made any effort,' he said. 'A secretary should stay at least a year to understand and address the issues.' He pointed out the Higher Education Secretary also serves as the convenor committee chairman for several universities in the absence of appointed Vice-Chancellors. 'In the past five years, none of the Higher Education Secretaries have functioned effectively. Many have held the position, but few have served the department meaningfully.' He added that the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits have not been disbursed since 2021. 'The problem is not a lack of awareness, but lack of execution,' he said. The fee fixation committee, chaired by retired judge K.N. Basha and formed in 2021, has yet to see its recommendations implemented. The government is also yet to release course fee details for the 2025–26 academic year. 'We have submitted several amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges Regulation Act, but they have not been taken up,' Mr. Raja added. C. Murugan, president of the Madras University Teachers Association, said successive secretaries have failed to secure grants for the university. Retirement benefits for university employees have been pending since 2017. 'Both teaching and non-teaching staff are under pressure,' he said. He also raised concerns about delays in the university's free education scheme. 'Around 900 students have applied. We were asked to conduct online interviews, but the meeting scheduled for Monday was postponed. Students are expected to join by the end of June. It's disheartening to see their hopes dashed,' he said. 'I am a member of the committee, and seeing their dejected faces is painful.'
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Frequent transfers of higher education secretaries i Tamil Nadu cause concern
The Higher Education Department Secretary, C. Samayamoorthy, was transferred on Monday. (June 23, 2025). He has been replaced by P. Shankar, who becomes the seventh secretary to hold the post in the last two years. In July 2023, D. Karthikeyan was transferred from the department and replaced by A. Karthik. Subsequently, the School Education Secretary held additional charge for a few days. Pradeep Yadav followed, and then K. Gopal was appointed, succeeded by Mr. Samayamoorthy. Now, within months, Mr. Samayamoorthy has been replaced by Mr. Shankar. The frequent change of leadership has left teachers' associations discontented. S. Suresh, president of the Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers Association, said a secretary should serve for at least a year to effectively address issues. K. Raja, general secretary of the Association of University Teachers, noted that the government has made no progress in streamlining fees charged by aided colleges, despite forming a committee for the purpose four years ago. 'None of the secretaries have made any effort,' he said. 'A secretary should stay at least a year to understand and address the issues.' He pointed out the Higher Education Secretary also serves as the convenor committee chairman for several universities in the absence of appointed Vice-Chancellors. 'In the past five years, none of the Higher Education Secretaries have functioned effectively. Many have held the position, but few have served the department meaningfully.' He added that the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) benefits have not been disbursed since 2021. 'The problem is not a lack of awareness, but lack of execution,' he said. The fee fixation committee, chaired by retired judge K.N. Basha and formed in 2021, has yet to see its recommendations implemented. The government is also yet to release course fee details for the 2025–26 academic year. 'We have submitted several amendments to the Tamil Nadu Private Colleges Regulation Act, but they have not been taken up,' Mr. Raja added. C. Murugan, president of the Madras University Teachers Association, said successive secretaries have failed to secure grants for the university. Retirement benefits for university employees have been pending since 2017. 'Both teaching and non-teaching staff are under pressure,' he said. He also raised concerns about delays in the university's free education scheme. 'Around 900 students have applied. We were asked to conduct online interviews, but the meeting scheduled for Monday was postponed. Students are expected to join by the end of June. It's disheartening to see their hopes dashed,' he said. 'I am a member of the committee, and seeing their dejected faces is painful.'
