Half of faculty posts at Panjab University vacant

Radhika Pasrija

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Chandigarh, January 19

More than half of the sanctioned posts at Panjab University (PU) are vacant. Of the 1,378 permanent posts, only 625 have been filled so far.

At present, there are 269 professors, 85 associate professors and 271 assistant professors at the university. Even though contractual, part-time and guest employees have been hired, they are not able to meet the requirement.

Only 625 of 1,378 permanent posts filled

• Of the 1,378 permanent posts, only 625 have been filled so far
• At present, there are 269 professors, 85 associate professors and 271 assistant professors in the university
• Contractual, part-time, guest faculty not being able to meet requirement
• Over 65 permanent posts occupied by teachers who are 60 years and above

Until the beginning of the last year, the PU had not hired new teachers since 2014. The hiring process has reportedly been on hold because of a fund crunch, as a professor’s salary is four to six times that of a contractual employee.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said, “We will resume the process of filling up the sanctioned posts next month.”

Panjab University Teachers’ Association president Prof Amarjit Singh Naura said, “The process must be rigorously carried out without any delay as teachers are getting overburdened.” He added that about 65 permanent positions have been occupied by teachers who are 60 years of age and above.

During his visit to the campus last November, UGC Chairman Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar noted that over 80% of the teaching posts at higher education institutions were vacant and rued that it had the quality of education.