Severe faculty shortage in Odisha; 1,353 teaching posts vacant, highest in Ravenshaw and Utkal University

The higher education sector in Odisha seems to be facing a critical shortage of faculty members, with 1,353 professor posts lying vacant across 17 government universities in Odisha. The alarming figures were revealed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly by the Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Friday, raising concerns about the impact on the quality of education and academic standards in these institutions.

Faculty Crisis in State Universities

According to the Minister’s response in the Odisha Assembly, the total sanctioned faculty strength in these 17 universities is 2,027. However, only 674 professors are currently in position, leaving a major shortfall in faculty numbers. 

The Odisha government has been managing the situation by employing 965 guest faculty members to fill the gaps.
Additionally, the higher education department is also grappling with a shortage of non-teaching staff, with 2,081 administrative and support staff positions remaining unfilled.

Worst-Hit Universities: Ravenshaw and Utkal University

Among the affected universities, Ravenshaw University in Cuttack and Utkal University in Bhubaneswar have reported the highest number of vacant teaching posts.

Ravenshaw University: 161 vacant positions
Utkal University: 133 vacant positions

The acute faculty shortage in these premier institutions has raised concerns about the quality of education, research output, and student-teacher ratios.

Government’s Response and Future Plans

The Odisha government has acknowledged the crisis and assured that measures are being taken to fill these vacant positions at the earliest. While guest faculty members have been temporarily assigned, experts argue that permanent appointments are essential to maintain academic excellence.

Higher education stakeholders, including students, faculty associations, and educationists, have urged the government to expedite the recruitment process, improve salary structures, and ensure better facilities to attract and retain qualified faculty members.