UGC Rejects Proposal For Independent Commission In Professor Recruitment, Reaffirms Existing Rules
UGC Rejects Proposal For Independent Commission In Professor Recruitment, Reaffirms Existing Rules
Pune: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has clarified that the recruitment of professors in the state cannot be carried out through an independent commission, as initially proposed. The recruitment process must follow the existing UGC rules.
A large number of professor vacancies remain unfilled in state agricultural universities, impacting academic operations. In response to this, the state government approved professor recruitment and instructed universities to advertise vacant positions once technical procedures were completed.
However, in November, the Governor’s office instructed universities to halt the recruitment process. Instead of appointing a committee for recruitment, there was a consideration to form an independent commission. The state government corresponded with the UGC regarding this idea, but the UGC has now rejected it, stating that conducting the recruitment through an independent commission would violate the existing UGC rules.
According to the UGC’s 2018 guidelines, there is no provision for forming an independent commission for the recruitment of faculty positions in state public universities and affiliated colleges. The recruitment process should follow the existing guidelines, with universities forming a committee to carry out the process.
Further, the UGC’s proposed 2025 guidelines mandate that the selection of assistant professors, associate professors, and professors in colleges of state governments and union territories should follow direct recruitment or the minimum eligibility criteria as per the regulations.
In the meantime, a senior educationist emphasized that the recruitment process must resume immediately to ensure that professors are available for the upcoming academic year. Additionally, the state government must fill at least 75% of the approved professor positions as per UGC criteria.
