The state assembly today revealed a major shortage of teachers in colleges across the state, with a total of 747 vacant positions yet to be filled. The information came to light during a session where Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman responded to a starred question raised by CPI (M) MLA from Jubarajnagar, Shailendra Chandra Nath.
According to the minister’s statement, the higher education sector is currently functioning with limited faculty strength. At present, there are 6 professors, 257 associate professors, 309 assistant professors, 732 guest lecturers, 85 lecturers, and 176 post-graduate teachers engaged in imparting education to students. Despite this, the significant shortfall has raised concerns about the quality of education and academic progress in state-run colleges.
Members of the assembly expressed worries regarding the impact of this teacher shortage on students’ learning experience and overall academic environment. The shortage is not only affecting classroom teaching but also creating challenges in maintaining research standards and extracurricular guidance.
Responding to supplementary queries, Minister Kishore Barman assured the house that the government is aware of the problem and has already initiated plans to address it. He informed that a recruitment drive will be launched shortly to fill the vacant posts in a phased manner. The minister, however, maintained that the colleges are still functioning and denied the presence of any immediate crisis in managing academic activities.
The announcement of an upcoming recruitment initiative has brought hope for students, faculty, and academic institutions who have long been demanding more permanent staff. Stakeholders believe that filling these positions will ensure stability, reduce dependence on guest lecturers, and improve the overall standard of higher education in the state.