Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Odisha government has allowed re-engagement of guest faculties in all public universities in the state to ensure smooth academic activities.
Sources said the state Higher Education Department has sent communication in this regard to the Registrars of all public universities in Odisha.
According to the communication, the universities have been allowed to re-engage the existing guest faculties as well as engage new such faculties against vacant teaching posts for smooth academic activities.
However, the universities have been told that the guest faculties can be appointed for a period of six months or till the recruitment of the regular faculties,
The universities have been asked by the department to furnish the detailed info regarding the engagement of the guest faculties through the designated portal.
Additionally, the department has asked the universities to provide teaching assignments to the candidates selected under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship scheme. Such candidates are required to undertake teaching assignments for five hours per week for UG/PG students, said the department.
It may be noted that the public universities had sought the required approval from the Higher Education Department for continuation of the existing guest faculties and engagement of new such faculties against vacant teaching posts to ensure that academic activities are not hampered due to the shortage of teaching staff.