Raipur: The state has shifted into full action mode to overhaul the higher education system and integrate the youth into the mainstream of employment. A review meeting of the Higher Education Department, chaired by Higher Education Minister Tankram Verma, was held at the Mantralaya today to revamp the department and resolve long-pending administrative issues. Several significant and far-reaching decisions were taken during this meeting.
A Boon for the Youth: Direct Recruitment for 700 Assistant Professor Posts to Begin Soon
This can be hailed as a landmark day for the youth in the history of higher education in the state. In a major decision, Minister Tankram Verma gave the green signal to immediately initiate the recruitment process for 700 vacant Assistant Professor posts. He instructed officials that no obstacles or laxity at any stage of the process would be tolerated. Additionally, the path has been cleared to send a fresh proposal to the government for filling other vacant posts within the department. The document verification process for the direct recruitment of professors via the CGPSC will also now be fast-tracked on a war footing.
Minister Lashes Out at Sluggish Operations: New Principals for Undergraduate Colleges a Must by July 31
The Higher Education Minister sternly reprimanded officials regarding the need to tighten administrative functioning in colleges. He issued strict instructions that the promotion process for undergraduate college principals must be completed by July 31, 2026, without fail. No undergraduate college in Chhattisgarh will remain without a regular principal in the new academic session, as “quality of education” is at the forefront of the current government’s agenda.
Path Cleared for Promotions; Demands of Employees and Guest Professors Heeded
Several sensitive decisions were taken during the meeting to boost the morale of professors and departmental staff. Promotions based on old rules: Assistant Professors appointed prior to 2019 will be promoted to the post of Professor under the 1990 regulations, thereby preserving their seniority. Lists regarding the senior and selection grade pay scales for Assistant Professors are nearly ready, and instructions have been issued for their early release. Acknowledging the legitimate demands of guest lecturers who have long been struggling for their cause, the government is set to take immediate action on the report submitted by the committee formed to improve their service conditions. Appointments to Assistant Grade-3 and Class-IV posts in colleges and universities will now be conducted with complete transparency through the ‘State Staff Selection Commission’.
Students from rural and tribal areas to speak fluent English: In light of global competition, the state government has launched a unique initiative for talented students from Chhattisgarh’s remote forest and rural regions. A special “90-hour, 90-day” English communication course will now be conducted in colleges. This unique campaign aims to eliminate the hesitation felt by students from rural and tribal areas, enabling them to keep pace with youth from across the country and the world. Additionally, strict adherence to the government’s academic calendar will be ensured across the state.
Zero tolerance for financial irregularities: No bias in budget allocation: Emphasizing financial probity in budget management, Minister Verma stated that there is no room for any financial misconduct or negligence within the department. Obtaining administrative approval will now be mandatory before releasing the budget to any college. Special budgetary provisions will be made for the development of new colleges to prevent any grievances regarding unequal fund allocation.
Expansion of the National Education Policy (NEP) to Postgraduate (PG) courses: Chhattisgarh is moving towards fully adopting the National Education Policy. Following the successful implementation of the 4-year undergraduate curriculum, the NEP framework is now being extended to postgraduate (PG) courses as well. Comprehensive preparations are underway to bring this into effect. Currently, the list for the 5th and 6th semesters under the NEP has been finalized and submitted to Lok Bhawan for approval.
To promote administrative transparency, the department has decided to completely separate the post of ‘Additional Director’ from that of ‘Principal.’ Furthermore, the specialized services of state employees qualified in accounts will be utilized to audit the tenures of principals, thereby ensuring the prompt resolution of pending inquiry and audit cases. Senior officials from the Ministry, including the Secretary and Commissioner of the Higher Education Department, were present at the meeting.
