PMK Leader Anbumani Ramadoss Accuses Tamil Nadu Government of Crippling Higher Education with Massive Faculty Shortages
In a scathing critique, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has launched a sharp attack on the Tamil Nadu government, alleging systematic destruction of higher education in the state. The political leader claims that nearly half of all teaching and non-teaching positions remain unfilled across 21 state universities, creating what he describes as an educational crisis of unprecedented proportions.
RTI Data Reveals Alarming Vacancy Rates Across Multiple Institutions
According to Anbumani Ramadoss, Right to Information (RTI) data has uncovered shocking faculty shortages that threaten the very foundation of Tamil Nadu's higher education system. The statistics paint a grim picture of institutional neglect and administrative failure.
- Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University faces the most severe shortage with 56% of faculty positions remaining vacant
- Fourteen universities including Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and Bharathidasan University report vacancy rates between 40-50%
- University of Madras presents the most alarming case with 65% of its 515 sanctioned posts unfilled
The breakdown at University of Madras reveals that only 35% of positions (180 posts) are currently occupied, while 85% of associate professor positions and 67% of assistant professor posts remain vacant. This represents a critical shortage of senior academic leadership that directly impacts research guidance and quality education delivery.
Research Activities Paralyzed Due to Faculty Shortages
Anbumani Ramadoss emphasized that universities, unlike colleges, have a primary mandate to conduct advanced research and guide doctoral students. However, the severe shortage of experienced faculty members has brought these essential functions to a virtual standstill.
"The absence of permanent, qualified faculty has created a situation where PhD guidance has become nearly impossible," the PMK leader stated. "Research projects that could contribute to academic advancement and innovation are being abandoned or delayed indefinitely."
Guest Lecturer System Fails to Address Core Issues
The political leader criticized the government's reliance on guest lecturers as a temporary solution that has become a permanent problem. According to his assessment, this approach has created multiple systemic issues:
- Guest lecturers lack long-term accountability to institutions and students
- The temporary nature of these appointments prevents continuity in research projects
- Academic progress has been effectively stalled since 2014 when this pattern began
- The quality of education suffers without permanent faculty commitment
The PMK president's statement represents a significant political challenge to the Tamil Nadu government's education policies, coming at a time when higher education institutions should be expanding their capabilities to meet growing student demand and research requirements.
This crisis in Tamil Nadu's university system raises serious questions about the state's commitment to maintaining educational excellence and preparing future generations for competitive global environments. The faculty vacancies not only affect current students but also threaten the long-term reputation and accreditation of these important educational institutions.
