Guest lecturers yet to get hike in honorarium announced in the budget

The Higher Education Minister announced in the state assembly that the honorarium for guest lecturers would be increased by ₹5,000, bringing the total to ₹35,000. The proposal is part of the latest budget, which aims to attract more experts to teach in universities across the state. The increase is expected to make guest lectures more appealing to professionals who might otherwise decline due to insufficient compensation, thereby enhancing the quality of education offered to students. This move is welcomed by academic circles.

Guest lecturers play a key role in bridging the gap between industry and academia. By providing real‑world experience, they help students understand current trends and develop practical skills. The new honorarium reflects the government's commitment to improving higher education standards. The decision follows feedback from universities that many qualified professionals were hesitant to participate due to low remuneration. The increase is expected to attract a broader range of experts, including those from emerging sectors such as data science and renewable energy.

While the hike is modest, it signals a broader trend of investing in academic quality. Universities will likely use the increased funds to recruit more distinguished speakers, which could improve student outcomes and research collaborations. The policy may also encourage more industry professionals to engage with academia, fostering innovation across the state. The government plans to monitor the impact of this change through annual reviews of lecturer participation rates and student satisfaction surveys. If successful, it could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen their higher education systems.