UGC Urges States And UTs To Expedite Recruitment For Vacant Faculty Positions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a letter urging state universities and affiliated colleges to fill their vacant faculty positions. In the letter, addressed to the secretaries and higher education councils of all states and Union Territories, UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi highlighted the importance of teachers and professors in the education system. The letter stressed the need for universities to prioritize the appointment of qualified faculty members in order to provide excellent education to students.

The official letter emphasized the crucial role played by faculty members, stating, "The most important factor in the success of Higher Educational institutions is the quality engagement of its faculty members as they are the pillars of all academic processes. They are envisioned as having the crucial responsibility of creating a conducive learning environment in the institution, developing program-specific curricula, effective implementation of teaching-learning and evaluation processes, and developing students as responsible members of society."

Furthermore, the letter encouraged Higher Education institutions to make efforts in recruiting enthusiastic, dynamic, and capable faculty members who can deliver high-quality education. The secretary expressed concern about the impact of faculty shortages on the teaching and learning process in colleges and universities. Therefore, the letter highlighted the urgent need for timely recruitment of eligible and competent faculty members, urging Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to take necessary measures for prompt appointments of professors. It stressed the importance of filling vacant faculty positions promptly with suitable candidates and emphasized that necessary measures should be taken without delay.

The official letter also mentioned that the University Grants Commission has already issued the UGC Regulations of 2008, which outline the minimum qualifications, appointment criteria, and service conditions for faculty members in universities and colleges. These regulations can be accessed on the UGC website. The UGC secretary called for personal intervention to expedite the recruitment process for qualified faculty members in state universities and affiliated colleges. Recognizing the crucial role this plays in enhancing the quality of higher education, the letter emphasized the need for cooperation from the respective states and Union Territories, stating, "This shall go a long way in improving the quality of higher education in our country. Soliciting your cooperation in the matter," it concluded.