MYSURU: Some 77% of the sanctioned 651 professor posts in Karnataka's 32 traditional universities have been lying vacant for over a decade, with legacy institutions like Bangalore University and University of Mysore figuring among the worst hit by delays in filling these senior faculty positions.
New varsities - including those in Chamarajanagar, Hassan & Kodagu - established three years ago face a deeper crisis with not a single full-time, regular professor recruited despite approvals. Absence of professors is likely to hit PG and doctoral students.
Guest or temporary faculty fill the gaps at varsities: Minister In contrast, Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru stands out for having more professors than the sanctioned quota. KSOU has 11 professors against the sanctioned seven.
Higher education minister MC Sudhakar placed this data before the legislative council on Monday in response to a question by MLC SV Sankanur and said academics and evaluation processes, however, aren't affected as universities have hired guest faculty or temporary staff to fill the gaps in the functioning of varsities.
Typically, a university has a three-tier faculty structure: Assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. Karnataka's higher education department grants approval for budget and hiring, which is carried out by universities by advertising the posts. The candidates are picked by a selection committee.
The vacancy figures are stark: University of Mysore (UoM) has just three professors against 68 sanctioned posts; Bangalore University has 11 professors against 161 positions. Other institutions like Karnataka State Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Folklore University, Chamarajanagar University and Kodagu University have no regular professors.
UoM vice-chancellor NK Lokanath said these vacancies are specifically for "regular professor posts". "Yes, the university has very few regular professors. We're awaiting govt directions on filling these posts. Initially, we were told that backlog posts would be prioritized, but now there are no updates," he added.
An officer from the state's higher education department said the dire situation calls for a relook at the need to fill these positions. "With many universities struggling to attract students for PG courses, it is essential to reassess the demand before filling up these posts," the officer said.
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