Over the past 4-5 years, the Central government has appointed over 40,000 people to fill vacant posts in the education sector, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Pradhan highlighted the introduction of the Professors of Practice (PoP) system, designed to bring experienced industry professionals into higher academic institutions such as IITs. These PoP positions, appointed by universities, are “need-based” and not permanent roles.
Pradhan emphasized that PoPs would infuse expertise and innovative ideas into education. “PoP is a major recommendation under the New Education Policy. There is now a consensus that, in addition to degrees, we must also value competency,” he said.
The goal is to align education with employability and entrepreneurship, necessitating a stronger relationship between industry and academia, Pradhan added.
In response to CPI (M) member John Brittas’s question about whether the government reserved 10 percent of academic posts for PoPs and its impact on SC, ST, and OBC reservations in higher institutions, Pradhan reassured that PoPs would not occupy existing university or college posts.
Brittas raised concerns about the current vacancies, noting that almost 26 percent of academic posts and 46 percent of other posts are vacant. Pradhan reiterated the appointment of over 40,000 individuals to these vacant positions in recent years.
NCP MP Fauzia Khan inquired about the number of women appointed as PoPs. Pradhan responded that appointments depend on the specific needs of institutions and the aptitude and capacity of individuals, with no government interference regarding gender quotas.
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