Thiruvananthapuram: The government decided to ensure 16 teaching hours per week for college teachers and to avoid PG weightage. On the basis of this decision, the finance department approved 721 new teaching posts in various aided colleges. The cabinet decision in this regard will be taken only after the election model code of conduct is withdrawn.

Earlier, new posts were allowed for the additional 9 hours after considering 16 hours as basic limit. Also one hour for PG courses was considered as 1.5 hours. The finance department made it clear that new vacancies cannot be created if these two conditions are removed.

Though many discussions were held in this regard due to the disagreement from teachers’ association, the finance department did not comply pointing out huge financial liability.

The teaching posts currently allowed are for the courses allotted for aided colleges in 2013-14. Teaching posts for the courses allotted for government colleges during the same period was already created.

Apart from this, 197 courses were allotted for various government and aided colleges. The courses were allowed after making it clear that posts will be allotted only after 5 years. About Rs 35 crore per year will be required as salary for the newly created posts.

Earlier, around 1000 new posts were considered without 16-hour limit and PG weightage. As the criteria was renewed, the posts were limited to 721.