Government changes rules to make PU lecturers teach high school students faces stiff opposition

The previous BJP government tried to introduce similar amendments in 2022 and again in November 2025, during which there were nationwide protests against the move. | Photo credit: File Photo

Despite strong opposition, the state government has decided to depute lecturers from government pre-university (PU) colleges to teach classes 9 and 10 in government high schools. The government amended the Karnataka General Services (Pre-University Education) (Recruitment) Rules-2013, issued a draft notification and provided seven days for objections.

As per the new draft rules, it is mandatory for lecturers appointed in government PU colleges in the state to teach class 9 and 10 in government high schools through direct recruitment and promotion.

The move has been strongly opposed by lecturers and principals of government PU colleges who say they will launch a massive fight against it.

KPS calls for a move

Currently, there are separate cadre and recruitment (C and R) rules for PU and secondary education workers. Candidates who have completed BEd along with their graduation are accepted for Group C posts of High School Teachers for teaching classes 8 to 10. However, the post of lecturers in PU colleges are classified as Group B posts and only candidates who have completed BEd along with Post Graduate Degree are accepted.

With the establishment of Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) in the state where classes 1 to 12 will be held under one roof like all central syllabus schools, the state government has now sought to amend the rules to allow lecturers currently teaching pre-university classes to also teach high school students.

This comes in the backdrop of the state deciding to start 800 new Karnataka Public Schools this academic year, taking the total number of KPS to 1,209.

Strong opposition

Speaking to The Hindu, Ninge Gowda AH, president of the Karnataka Pre-University Lecturers Association, said that such moves had taken place before this one and were repeatedly dropped due to backlash. “The transfer of PU lecturers from Group B posts to Group C posts is against the principles of the Karnataka Civil Services Rules. It will also affect the professional dignity of the lecturers,” he argued.

The previous BJP government had tried to introduce similar amendments in 2022 and again in November 2025. “On 25 November 2025, there was a nationwide protest during which the then education minister assured us that there was no proposal to post PU lecturers in high schools.

However, now that the department does not have a minister, officials hastily adjusted the rules. An expert commission was not created in this regard either. Furthermore, none of the stakeholders, including lecturers’ associations and student organisations, were consulted. Therefore, all employees will object to this proposal,” he said.

The association plans to boycott all PU classes for a day to register its protest and if the government does not withdraw the proposal, Mr. Ninge Gowda has threatened an indefinite boycott and agitation.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 20:18 IST