The higher education department of Odisha has granted permission to all state public universities to re-engage existing guest faculty members and appoint new guest faculty against vacant teaching posts. This temporary measure aims to address faculty shortages and ensure uninterrupted teaching activities.
Background and Rationale
The department informed university registrars on Thursday that the recruitment process for regular faculty positions has already been initiated. However, proposals seeking approval for the continuation of existing guest faculty and engagement of new guest faculty were received from various universities.
Official Directive
Additional Secretary Prativa Sahu stated that to maintain uninterrupted teaching-learning activities, universities have been permitted to continue the engagement of existing guest faculty members as per the previous order issued in 2024. Additionally, fresh engagement of guest faculty against vacant teaching posts has been allowed as a temporary arrangement for six months or until the completion of the regular recruitment process, whichever is earlier.
Compliance and Reporting
According to the directive, universities must upload on the HIMS portal the total number of guest faculty engaged under the previous order and the vacancies against which fresh engagement is proposed. This ensures transparency and proper record-keeping.
Role of MMRF Scholars
The department further clarified that candidates selected under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship (MMRF) scheme would be required to undertake teaching assignments for five hours per week for undergraduate students. Accordingly, while calculating workload requirements for guest faculty engagement, universities have been asked to duly consider the teaching contribution of MMRF scholars.
Impact on Higher Education
This decision is expected to provide immediate relief to universities grappling with faculty shortages, ensuring that students' academic schedules are not disrupted. The temporary arrangement strikes a balance between addressing urgent teaching needs and continuing the process of regular recruitment for permanent faculty positions.
