HYDERABAD. July 10: The Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association has decided to observe token hunger strike daily outside Larkana, Sukkur and Hyderabad press clubs with effect from July 17 for the acceptance of college teachers’ demands.

The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the provincial administrative council held here on Tuesday with Professor Riaz Ahsan in the chair.

The meeting criticised the Sindh government, specially the education minister and officials of the education department for taking no steps to resolve the problems of 850 ad-hoc lectures.

It pointed out that the ad-hoc lecturers had not received their salaries for the last 5 months and demanded that on the pattern of the NWFP, the services of ad-hoc lecturers of Sindh should also be regularised and they be paid their salaries of last five months. It condemned the anti-teachers attitude of the chairman Sukkur Board and demanded his removal.

The meeting adopted several resolutions demanding the upgradation of the college teachers on the pattern of university teachers and payment of same salaries and allowances to college teachers working in urban and rural areas.

It further demanded that 750 posts lying vacant in grade 18, 19 and 20 should be filled through promotions without delay and notification should be issued for the upgradation of librarians and the DPEs.

It said the outstanding dues of college teachers in move-over and promotion cases should be paid immediately and the retired officers who were appointed on contract basis in the educational boards should be removed forthwith and the in-service professors should be appointed in their place.

It said the office of Director General Colleges should be shifted to Hyderabad, 1972 Language Act implemented in letter and spirit, shortage of college teachers, books and scientific equipments be eliminated and the vacant posts of principals filled without delay.

The meeting resolved to observe token hunger strikes outside Larkana, Sukkur and Hyderabad press clubs daily with effect from July 17 for the acceptance of these demands.