KOCHI: Most of the teachers taking contact classes at Sree Narayanaguru Open University have not been paid for months. The problem is not a lack of funds but that the bills cannot be passed on time due to insufficient staff at the headquarters in Kollam and regional centres.

Classes on holidays at the University's Learner Support Centers in 23 leading colleges in various districts are conducted by teachers of government and aided colleges and others with UGC qualifications. More than 600 such teachers are the backbone of the university. Many centres have not been paid since July. The amount for July and August has reached the accounts of several people today. The official explanation is that the bill will be passed within a month. Ernakulam Maharajas, Thalassery Brennen, and Pattambi Sree Neelakanta colleges have 35 batches, each with around 100 teachers. The per-class remuneration for PG classes is 950 and for degree classes is 750. Three admissions were held at the university. In the first two years, less than 6000 students came, last year 16000. It is expected that more will be registering this year. With four new degree courses and two PG courses being approved by the UGC, the number of courses has increased to 28. Unless more staff are hired or alternative systems are put in place, the entire operation will suffer. Kollam, Pattambi and Thalassery regional centres have been without directors for months.

200 posts required

Employees including teachers of the university are on deputation and contract basis. The university had sent a letter to the government asking for a new allocation of around 200 posts, but no decision was taken.

'The fact that teachers in learner's support centres are being paid late has not been noticed.'

Dr. P.M. Mubarak Pasha

-Vice Chancellor