Urgent: Affiliated Colleges Predict Anna University’s Revolutionary Unique ID Cards to End Faculty Duplication
In response to the recent exposure of the ‘faculty duplication’ scam in several affiliated colleges, Anna University is considering the issuance of Unique Identity Cards under an e-governance mechanism, college heads in the Western region have suggested. They believe that monitoring faculty attendance and monthly salary payments through bank accounts linked to Aadhaar cards could resolve this issue.
A college head elaborated that the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) mandates that at least 10 percent of faculty in a department must possess a Ph.D. qualification for a program to receive a high rating. Additionally, each department must have at least one professor or associate professor. The duplication of faculty occurs mainly due to the shortage of Ph.D.-qualified teachers.
The practice of faculty duplication has not occurred secretly; college managements are aware that Ph.D.-qualified teachers are in high demand during inspection times. Colleges often lure these teachers with one-time attractive financial packages. This situation leaves the university in a difficult position, with little ability to act, especially since all management quota seats have already been filled and there is an urgent need for senior-level faculty listed in the duplication cases.
An anonymous college head emphasized that punitive action now might lead to the closure of several colleges. Meanwhile, a functionary from a college management expressed willingness to accept corrective measures from Anna University to curb the practice of faculty duplication. However, they warned that harsh penalties could have severe unintended consequences.
The issue highlights the broader challenges faced by institutions in balancing accreditation requirements with the realities of faculty shortages, making the need for systemic solutions and reforms all the more urgent.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/faculty-duplication-affiliated-colleges-predict-anna-university-will-issue-unique-id-cards-to-curb-practice/article68474098.ece
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