Will TN Guest Lecturers Seek Justice in SC Over Unfulfilled HC Orders?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bid for justice, Tamil Nadu's guest lecturers are preparing to challenge the State Higher Education Department in the Supreme Court after the government failed to implement a Madras High Court order for permanent appointments. With salaries lagging far behind other states, these educators are advocating for fair pay and job security.
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu's guest lecturers are seeking permanent positions.
- They face significant salary disparities compared to other states.
- The Madras High Court has criticized the government's current employment practices.
- Legal action is being pursued to enforce job security and fair pay.
- Over 7,800 honorary lecturers are affected by these policies.
Chennai, Nov 9 (NationPress) The guest lecturers employed in Tamil Nadu’s government colleges are preparing to escalate their grievances to the Supreme Court against the State Higher Education Department due to its failure to adhere to a Madras High Court order that requires permanent appointments.
As stated by V. Thangaraj, the State President of the All Tamil Nadu Government Colleges UGC-Qualified Honorary Lecturers’ Association, there are currently 1,146 honorary lecturers who went through the certificate verification process back in February 2021, following a government directive, yet they remain without regular appointments despite a clear High Court ruling in their favor.
“The government’s lack of action has compelled us to seek legal intervention once more,” Thangaraj remarked.
At the moment, approximately 7,800 honorary lecturers are employed on a consolidated pay basis across 171 arts, science, and education colleges in Tamil Nadu.
Thangaraj emphasized that the association will petition the apex court not only to ensure permanent positions for the 1,146 lecturers who have completed the verification process but also to mandate that the government compensates all guest lecturers in accordance with UGC guidelines, which prescribe a minimum monthly salary of Rs 50,000.
Currently, guest lecturers in Tamil Nadu earn only Rs 25,000 per month, one of the lowest salaries nationwide. Thangaraj highlighted significant discrepancies among states: “In Kerala, guest lecturers receive Rs 50,000; in Puducherry, it’s Rs 40,000, and in Haryana, where the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work’ is upheld, it amounts to Rs 57,700. Punjab and Delhi also provide salaries around Rs 50,000. However, in Tamil Nadu, despite the presence of highly qualified faculty, the compensation remains alarmingly low.”
Referring to a recent Madras High Court ruling issued in October 2025, Thangaraj pointed out that the court had strongly criticized the government’s approach of hiring UGC-qualified and doctorate-holding educators as “guest lecturers” on minimal consolidated pay.
“The court clearly indicated that these educators, although labeled as temporary, fulfill all the responsibilities of regular lecturers and are being exploited under the facade of honorary appointments,” he added.
The association intends to file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court in the upcoming weeks, seeking both the implementation of the High Court decision and a restructured pay scale for all honorary lecturers in the state’s higher education sector.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the plight of Tamil Nadu's guest lecturers who, despite their qualifications and contributions, continue to face significant challenges regarding job security and fair compensation. The situation underscores the need for systemic reforms in higher education employment policies to ensure equity and respect for educators across the nation.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue facing Tamil Nadu's guest lecturers?
The primary concern is the government's failure to implement a Madras High Court directive for permanent appointments, leaving many lecturers in a state of uncertainty and low pay.
What actions are the guest lecturers planning to take?
They intend to file a special leave petition in the Supreme Court seeking both the enforcement of the High Court ruling and a revised salary structure.
How much are guest lecturers currently paid in Tamil Nadu?
Currently, guest lecturers earn Rs 25,000 per month, which is significantly lower than their counterparts in other states.
What are the salary comparisons with other states?
In states like Kerala, Puducherry, and Haryana, guest lecturers earn between Rs 40,000 to Rs 57,700, highlighting the disparity.
What is the UGC's stance on guest lecturer salaries?
The UGC mandates a minimum salary of Rs 50,000 per month for guest lecturers, which the Tamil Nadu government currently fails to meet.
