CHENNAI: The Anna University’s Department of Planning is running with just two permanent faculty for the last three years. Functioning under the State’s premium architecture institute, School of Architecture and Planning, most of the classes are being managed by visiting faculty members from government urban planning agencies like Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).
According to dean Ranee Vedamuthu, the main reason was the absence of many qualified or interested candidates in the urban planning domain. She said most of the students opt for other more popular courses like architecture. “There should be around six to seven regular faculty members. But, since 2014, there are only two associate professors. Getting qualified people is very difficult,” said Monsingh D Devadas, a former dean of the school.
The total strength of the department is 50. But, currently there are only 40 students studying the two-year masters course in planning offered by the department of planning. As per the norms of the All India Council for Technical Education, there should be a professor, two associate professors and four assistant professors. “Currently there are no professors or assistant professors; only two associate professors and visiting faculties from CMDA and DTCP (Directorate of Town and Country Planning). But, they have only industrial experience, and not academic experience or knowledge,” he said.
However, Ranee said the classes can be comfortably managed with the visiting faculties. She said there were totally six faculties. “The visiting faculties come regularly every week. There are very few colleges which offer this course in the whole country, which is why it is difficult to recruit permanent faculty.”
She said urban planning too has scope and should be encouraged. Private colleges also should be encouraged to conduct the courses.