SC/ST employees threaten stir over delay in filling backlog vacancies

The move by the School Education Department (PU) to proceed with general promotions to the posts of principal, and failing to fill 80 vacant backlog posts through promotion on priority, has been opposed. | Photo Credit: File photo

Scheduled Caste/Tribe (SC/ST) lecturers and the Karnataka State Government SC/ST Employees’ Association have opposed the move by the School Education Department (PU) to proceed with general promotions to the posts of principal, bypassing the Social Welfare Department’s report and failing to fill the 80 vacant backlog posts through promotion on priority.

The Principal Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) submitted a file to the Minister for School Education seeking permission to convene a departmental promotion committee (DPC) meeting to facilitate promotions for Government PU college lecturers for the 2026-27 academic year.

However, the Karnataka State Government SC/ST Employees Association has written to Minister Madhu Bangarappa urging him to immediately reject the proposal seeking permission for the DPC meeting. The association has warned an agitation if the general promotion process is carried out without first filling the backlog posts.

Speaking to The Hindu, Bharath S., director of School Education (PU), said: “Our directorate has submitted information to the government regarding the promotions. The next step will be taken at the government level.”