Mysore/Mysuru: Guest Lecturers coming under the Directorate of Collegiate Education who were on a weekly strike (Tuesdays) for the past few months seeking release of honorarium for the lockdown period, are now a relieved lot as Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has agreed to sanction funds for the same.

Following an appeal by the Higher Education Department, the CM is said to have approved the Finance Department’s proposal for release of grants to meet payment of honorarium to Guest Lecturers for the lockdown period (March – August). 

Subsequently, the Finance Department Under-Secretary K.N. Murthy has written a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department. The release of funds will benefit over 14,400 Guest Lecturers serving at Government First Grade Colleges across the State.

The Finance Department will be releasing an additional  Rs. 30.22 crore along with the monthly wages of Rs. 85.92 crore, for payment of pending honorarium for the lockdown period. 

It may be mentioned here that JD(S) MLC Marithibbegowda had extended support for the cause of Guest Lecturers who had resorted to weekly strike seeking payment of honorarium.