Bengaluru: Bringing cheer to thousands of aspirants, the State Government has decided to appoint 5,100 First Grade College lecturers and 708 Principals.

Taking note of the shortage of teaching faculty in Government First Grade Colleges, including the old ones, the State Government has embarked on appointment of lecturers, thus bringing relief to thousands of students.

The decision on appointment of lecturers was taken at a meeting chaired by Higher Education Minister G.T. Devegowda.

At present, there are 396 vacant posts of Principal and 1,600 vacant lecturer posts. In order to raise teaching standards and cater to the academic needs of students, the Government has planned to create 312 additional posts of Principal (total 708) and 3,500 lecturers (total 5,100). With Finance Department giving nod, the Government plans to make recruitments through a competitive exam, it is learnt.