Haryana to scrutinise appointment of guest faculty

Chandigarh, March 10 (IANS) Scores of teachers recruited as guest faculty in schools across Haryana could face action with the state government ordering a scrutiny of all such appointments.

In view of numerous complaints received regarding irregularities while engaging guest faculty, all district education officers have been directed to scrutinise the cases, ascertain the violation of guidelines and ensure necessary action against all officials responsible in this regard, Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said on Tuesday.

Sharma said basic norms for recruitment of guest faculty were violated with impunity.

He pointed out that vacancies were even displayed on the main gates of institutions instead of giving advertisements in newspapers.

As per reports received from the district education officers, 719 guest faculty teachers were engaged in violation of the departmental policy.

He said the merit list was not prepared and record of the appointments was not maintained properly, criteria for determination of the merit had not been adhered to and candidates engaged as guest faculty did not posses necessary educational qualification and subject combinations.

Sharma said guest faculty were engaged without caring for workload in the school and engagement of guest teachers was made in violation of ban on such recruitments.

Two committees, set up in 2012 and 2014, had, in their reports, found 518 guest teachers were found to be engaged in violation of departmental instructions or policy and the services of these guest teachers were terminated, the minister said.