Over 5,100 teaching posts remain vacant in central universities across India, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar provided this data in response to a written query, highlighting the persistent staffing gaps in higher education institutions.

“As of October 31, 5,182 teaching positions are unfilled in central universities,” Majumdar stated. However, he noted that more than 7,650 positions have been filled through special recruitment drives. He emphasized that vacancies arise continually due to retirements, resignations, and increased student intake, making the process of hiring an ongoing challenge. The responsibility for filling these posts ultimately lies with the universities themselves, but delays often stem from administrative hurdles and the rigorous selection process.

Majumdar assured the Upper House that the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) regularly monitor the status of these vacancies. Central universities have been instructed to expedite the hiring process and ensure timely recruitment. The UGC has also established guidelines to maintain transparency and fairness in faculty appointments.

To streamline recruitment, the UGC launched the CU-Chayan portal in May 2023. This unified platform aims to simplify the process by listing job openings across all central universities, enabling candidates to apply through a centralized system. The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of recruitment, reduce administrative delays, and improve transparency in faculty hiring.

Despite these efforts, the vacancies raise concerns about the quality of education and the strain on existing faculty. With increasing student enrollment and the push for higher education reforms, addressing the shortage of qualified teaching staff remains critical. Experts argue that filling these vacancies promptly is essential for maintaining academic standards and supporting research initiatives in central universities.

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