HYDERABAD: The University Grants Commission was asked to create a department-wise data table of teacher vacancies for SC/ST candidates. The current system of institution-wise table was changed.
The move was ordered by the HRD Ministry as complaints about various departments across the country without SC/ST teachers were reported.
Presently, vacancies in all university departments were treated as one and the quota was decided on the basis of the total number. However, under the new rule, every department would be treated as a single unit.
But issues would arise, said education experts. Ms Swati Reddy of Save Education Society, said, “When single vacancies arise, how can quota be decided? How do you draw up the candidate chart? There needs to be more thought into the implementation of this rule. Though there is a dire need to fill vacancies, especially from people belonging to quotas, their fair chance must also not be taken away.”
UGC also used to club posts with similar qualifications and pay scales making it easier for hiring and also implementing reservation.
Sociology professor Adeeb H.K. said, “Reservation is meant for inclusion. In the present system, we cannot ensure that candidates from disadvantaged sections can get into all departments. So though, the intention is worthy, its implementation needs to be checked. Hiring too many people from the same category can also be harmful.”
