Pondy: Row in House over lecturers' issue

Puducherry, Apr 4: Mr S P Sivakumar (DMK) today locked horns with Chief Minister N Rangasamy over the alleged failure of the administration in regularising the service of lecturers in colleges and polytechnics even after court direction.

Answering a question, Education Minister M O H F Shajahan said the administration was taking steps for making part time lecturers as consolidated pay grade.

Pointing to the delay in implementing the directive, Mr Sivakumar sought explanation from Mr Rangasamy who also echoed the Minister's views.

This provoked Mr Sivakumar to point out though Lt Governor, chief minister and the chief secretary had no objection to it, 'a subordinate staff blocked the proposal with unwarranted comments on the file delaying its implementation.' He also alleged the official did not forward the resolutions adopted in the House to the Centre. However, the government was reluctant to take any action against him.

Leader of the Opposition A M H Nazeem wanted the government to look into the matter seriously while Mr Rajaraman (DMK) wanted the offical be summoned to the House to enable the members to know his identity.

Amid noisy scenes, Mr Rangasamy said he would give a detailed report on the issue in the House tomorrow after which Speaker Radhakrishnan proceed to other questions.

UNI