Chandigarh, July 31
The University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) at Panjab University (PU) has a shortage of over 49 per cent in teaching positions.
The sanctioned strength is 189, but there are only 96 regular teachers. Out of 96 teachers, only 59 are PhDs. It implies that over 38 per cent faculty is without PhD as of now.
“A number of teachers are pursuing PhD,” said Prof Savita Gupta, Director, UIET.
The UIET is also facing space crunch. It has written to the authorities concerned for expansion, which includes placement cell, lecture halls and workshop blocks. It will cost around Rs 5-6 crore, but the amount is yet to be approved.
The department was started in 2002 as a self-financing institution. But over the years, it could not enhance its fee structure. “If we charge fee at par with the Punjab Engineering College (PEC), most of our financial issues will be resolved,” said Prof Gupta.
The UIET has implemented ‘Earn While You Learn’ scheme for its students from the current session. Some students have opted for the scheme and are working at the AC Joshi Library at Rs100 per hour.
During the ‘Meet the Press’ programme on Tuesday, the UIET showcased a project aimed at developing a smart traffic light system, which performs multiple functions like smart traffic management. The project is designed on the Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. — TNS