Mysuru:  The teaching and non-teaching staff of Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, who have been working on a temporary basis since the last eight years, staged a protest in front of the University on JLB Road on Friday demanding extension of services.

They said that without any notice to them, the appointment process for teaching and non-teaching staff for the year 2018-19 had begun. This was an injustice to them, they said, shouting slogans against the administration.

Currently there are 23 teaching and seven non-teaching staff who are working. Their services have been extended by six months and the new appointment process has been taken up.

When Dr. Sarvamangala Shankar was the Vice-Chancellor, she would place it before the Syndicate and the services were being extended. However, the in-charge VC Prof. R. Rajesh has taken a hasty decision. Since the last eight years we have given up private performance and are working in the University and now injustice is being done to us, they charged.

In the new selection process if we are denied opportunity, then our lives will be in jeopardy. This process should be dropped and our services must be continued, the protesters demanded.

Prof. Rajesh, reacting after receiving the memorandum, said that according to the rules Guest Lecturers must be appointed anew every year. In this background, notification has been issued and applications invited from eligible candidates. Likewise, those in service have also applied. Everyone will be called for the interview and selected according to the rules, he assured.

Asst. Professor (tabla) Dr. Dundaiah, Lecturers Narayan, Ganesh, Vaishnavi Hangal (granddaughter of Dr. Gangubai Hangal), Dr. Shivaleela Siddaveer, Nayana, Surabhi, Shruthi, Dr. Chetana Radhakrishna, Pushpa, Dr. Bhuveneshwari, Dr. Santoshi and Ramesh Dhanur took part in the protest.