Despite the annual rise in student enrollments across various engineering, vocational, arts, and science colleges, the Higher Education Department continues to face several challenges. Reports indicate that key tasks still remain unfinished, including the official implementation of the State Education Policy (SEP) with other ongoing issues include the appointment of vice-chancellors for six state-run universities, such as the University of Madras. In addition, the recruitment of approximately 4,000 assistant professors for arts and science colleges remains pending, despite a notification issued back in March.
The Ministry of Education, through the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has consistently pressured state universities to update their progress on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), which was introduced in 2020. At one point, the UGC issued several directives threatening to freeze central funding for universities failing to adopt the NEP.
Currently, universities like the University of Madras, Madurai Kamaraj University, Anna University, Bharathiar University, Bharathidasan University, and several others serve thousands of students across a variety of disciplines. However, the freezing of the ₹570 crore allocation under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) by the Centre has put these state-run institutions under pressure, placing them at the crossroads between the Higher Education Department and the UGC. In contrast, deemed universities face fewer challenges in adopting the NEP despite the state’s resistance.
Failure To Implement SEP Even After Three Years of Recommendations
In 2021, a proposal was made to establish an expert committee to develop a dedicated SEP. After overcoming numerous challenges, it took nearly three years for the committee to complete the SEP report. Although the Justice Murugesan Committee submitted the SEP to Chief Minister MK Stalin in July, its implementation in both school and higher education sectors is still pending. A senior official in the Higher Education Department, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that the SEP cannot be implemented immediately because feedback and suggestions from stakeholders are needed to finalize any amendments.
The official added that, as per established norms, the SEP cannot be rolled out mid-academic year and is expected to be officially implemented from the next academic year. Furthermore, the expert committee only submitted a draft of the policy.
PB Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary of the State Platform for Common School System-TN, expressed that the SEP could be launched in the next academic year if the state government begins taking steps toward its implementation. He emphasized that the SEP would benefit both educational institutions and students. Babu also criticized the withholding of funds for the non-implementation of the NEP, stating that the Centre should respect the state’s interests.
Vacant Vice-Chancellor Positions Disrupting Key Universities In TN
Six key universities, including the University of Madras, Anna University, Madurai Kamaraj University, Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, and Annamalai University, are currently functioning without permanent vice-chancellors. Meanwhile, the state government has extended the tenure of vice-chancellors at Periyar University and Bharathidasan University.
A senior official from the Higher Education Department, who also preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the state government is resolute in forming a search committee to appoint vice-chancellors. The official argued that including a UGC representative in the selection panel would create complications, as no rules exist to support such a move, which is why the state is firm on its position.
P Thirunavukkarasu, vice-chairman of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), called for an immediate resolution to the dispute between the Raj Bhavan and the state government over the vice-chancellor appointments. He argued that universities cannot function efficiently without vice-chancellors, as decisions must go through a lengthy approval process involving syndicate members. Convening syndicate meetings alone is a time-consuming process, followed by additional formalities before decisions can be made.
Thirunavukkarasu also warned that the continued delay in appointing assistant professors in arts and science colleges would significantly disrupt academic activities, causing stress and placing extra pressure on part-time faculty members.
Professor Arul Aram from Anna University and president of the Anna University Teachers Association echoed similar concerns, noting that the lack of vice-chancellors would hamper administrative functions and delay critical policy decisions, including staff appointments. He stressed that the absence of vice-chancellors would degrade the overall working conditions for faculty members.
(With inputs from DTNext)
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