Urgent Alert: Over 80% of Professor Positions for OBC and ST Unfilled in Central Universities, Government Confirms to Parliament!
In a revealing update during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, data presented by Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar indicates that over 80% of professor positions sanctioned for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories remain unfilled in central universities. This information, provided in response to an unstarred question from RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, highlights significant educational staffing disparities as of June 30, 2025.
According to the figures, only 84 out of 423 sanctioned professor posts for OBCs have been filled, leaving a staggering 80% vacant. For the ST category, the situation is similarly concerning, with just 24 out of 144 posts occupied, translating to an 83% vacancy rate. The Scheduled Caste (SC) category also shows troubling numbers, as 111 of the 308 sanctioned professor positions are filled, which means 64% remain vacant. In the general category, there’s a notable number as well, with 935 of 1,538 posts filled, representing a 39% vacancy rate.
India hosts 56 central universities, all established by Acts of Parliament and funded entirely by the Government of India. These institutions fall under the purview of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education. Jha, an experienced academic and former head of the Department of Social Work at the University of Delhi, raised questions regarding the total sanctioned and filled positions for Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors across these universities, specifically breaking it down by SC, ST, OBC, and General categories over the last five years.
Looking at Associate Professors, the data reveals that 108 out of 307 sanctioned posts for STs are filled, while the OBC category sees 275 of 883 posts occupied. For SCs, 308 of 632 positions are filled. In the general category, 2,533 out of 3,013 Associate Professor posts are filled, indicating that 16% are vacant.
The Assistant Professor category reflects the least vacancy among the teaching levels assessed. Here, the data shows that 1,838 of 2,382 OBC posts are filled, alongside 595 of 704 ST positions and 1,180 out of 1,370 posts for SCs.
These alarming statistics underscore the ongoing challenges faced by central universities in addressing the representation of marginalized communities in academia. With a substantial portion of academic positions unfilled, the implications extend far beyond merely staffing; they affect the quality of education and the diversity of thought within India’s higher education system.
As calls for educational reform intensify, this data serves as a critical indicator of the work that remains to ensure equitable opportunities for all students and faculty within the higher education landscape. Addressing the staffing crisis not only fulfills a moral obligation but is also essential for fostering a more inclusive academic environment that reflects the diverse fabric of Indian society.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/over-80-professor-posts-for-obc-st-vacant-in-central-universities-govt-tells-parliament-govt-tells-parliament-11753330986680.html
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Publish Date: 2025-07-24 10:33:00
