Prefixes ‘Er.’ for engineers and ‘Lr.’ for lecturers sought

B.S. Shivanna, a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council representing the Congress party, has formally appealed to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to extend the newly approved professional prefix for teachers to two additional professions. In his letter, Shivanna highlighted the recent government move that allows educators to place “Tr.” before their names and argued that engineers and lecturers deserve comparable acknowledgment.

The appeal cites the importance of engineers in advancing Karnataka's infrastructure, technical innovation, and economic growth, and suggests the prefix “Er.” as an official honorific. It also emphasizes the role of lecturers in shaping academic standards and future leaders, proposing the prefix “Lr.” to recognize their commitment to higher education and research. The request was directed to the chief minister's office in Bengaluru, the state capital.

If adopted, the prefixes could elevate the professional stature of engineers and lecturers, aligning them with the teaching community that now enjoys formal recognition. Stakeholders such as professional bodies, academic institutions, and the broader workforce may view the move as a step toward enhancing dignity and visibility of these key occupations within Karnataka's socio‑economic landscape.