Resentment is brewing among the faculty of Utkal University as they are deprived of Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) while the University is seeking to appoint more teachers.
Despite their eligibility, around 40 faculty members of University have not been promoted under CAS promulgated by University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1996.
They alleged that promotions have been put on hold since 2009 when UGC asked the State Government to formulate its promotion guidelines for faculty of seven Government-run universities under CAS.
While teachers in other universities are provided hierarchical and salary benefits under the scheme on time, those in Utkal University consider themselves the ‘unfortunate lot’.
CAS is the only opportunity for university teachers to get promoted. Eligibility criteria include the number of years in service, a PhD, quality of research work and the number of research papers published.
Although applications of 40 faculty members were processed in 2011, the authorities did not go ahead in sending them to the UGC for further action.
The teachers also alleged that though application forms for promotion, details about their qualifications and research work are submitted to the University authorities as and when required, they remain stacked in cupboards for several months. Officials said there are not enough staff in the University to process the papers on time. Recently, only three Readers in Library Science, Commerce and Statistics were promoted to the post of Professors.
A Reader of the University, on condition of anonymity, said lack of incentives is demotivating faculty members who are already overburdened with additional work due to large scale vacancies. Of 270 sanctioned posts of teaching staff in Utkal University, 117 are lying vacant. In June, the University advertised for appointment of 14 Professors, six Readers and 30 lecturers.
“Utkal University is talking about setting high academic standards. But how can it retain faculty if it does not ensure financial and promotional benefits? The delay is discouraging for all of us as we are losing out both in terms of money and rank,” he said.
While Vice-Chancellor Prashant Kumar Sahoo could not be contacted for comments, PG Council Chairman of the University PK Mishra said applications for promotion under CAS will be processed during screening of new applications for the posts that have been advertised.
The University is reeling under severe shortage of both teaching and non-teaching staff for the last several years and under such circumstances, promotion of existing faculty members has been delayed, Mishra added.