Madras University short of faculty

CHENNAI: The situation within the Madras University is no better and is perhaps worse.  According to the Vice-Chancellor, at least 3-4 additional teachers need to be appointed in almost all the departments in the varsity to meet the faculty requirement.  Though the 14th plan of University Grants Commission permitted the appointment of additional faculty for the university, the previous government had failed to issue the Government Order to execute the process, according to Senate members.However, with the new government in place, university authorities are expecting the orders to be issued in the coming months.“Though promises have been made time and again to fill the vacant positions, no action has been initiated by the university to the effect till date. The university senate should present their appeals to the Chief Minister and education minister to expedite the GO,” said Michael, a member of the Senate. According to university sources, many departments lack even the minimum number of six teachers to seek grants and funds from various external agencies, including the UGC. Twenty to 30 faculty members retire every year and by 2014, more than 60 to 70 members would be retiring, making the situation crucial unless the GO is expedited, said Senate members. At present, there are 278 teaching faculty in the university.