CM Siddaramaiah Challenges State Universities on Visiting Professor Adoption
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly questioned why state universities are not embracing the model of visiting professors, a practice widely accepted in foreign institutions. In a recent statement, he highlighted that this reluctance persists despite a critical shortage of teachers in the higher education sector, which he attributes to irregular recruitments over the past two decades.
Irregular Recruitments Blamed for Severe Teacher Shortage
The Chief Minister emphasized that the lack of consistent and transparent hiring processes in state universities has led to a significant deficit in faculty members. This shortage, he argued, hampers the quality of education and limits opportunities for students. Siddaramaiah pointed out that while universities abroad efficiently utilize visiting professors to fill gaps and bring diverse expertise, Indian state varsities have been slow to adopt similar strategies.
Call for Reform in Higher Education Recruitment
Siddaramaiah urged state universities to reconsider their recruitment policies and explore flexible staffing solutions like visiting professors. He suggested that this approach could not only address the immediate teacher shortage but also enhance academic diversity and innovation. The CM's comments come amid ongoing discussions about reforming higher education in Karnataka to improve standards and competitiveness.
By advocating for this change, Siddaramaiah aims to bridge the gap between local and global educational practices, ensuring that state institutions can better serve students and contribute to regional development.
