TN govt to recruit full-time faculty members for govt law colleges through TRB

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu govt on Tuesday informed the Madras high court that appropriate steps were taken to recruit full-time faculty members for all govt law colleges in the state through the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB).

The submission was made by state law secretary S George Alexander, who was present in the court as per the directions of the HC. He informed the court that the TRB had raised certain queries regarding the recruitment, which would be addressed in a day or two.

Recording the submission, Justice Battu Devanand adjourned the hearing to Oct 21. The court dispensed with the further appearance of the law secretary.

The issue pertains to a plea seeking direction to the state govt to initiate the process for direct recruitment to the post of associate professors in govt law colleges. When the plea came up for hearing, the court was taken aback by the number of unfilled teaching faculty posts in govt law colleges in the state.

The court observed that if the state govt was not able to appoint teaching faculties on a permanent basis, it was better to close all the govt law colleges instead of running them without properly qualified staffers.

Justice Battu Devanand said it would spoil the career of students if the govt appointed guest lecturers to teach them instead of appointing qualified persons in sanctioned vacant posts. “This is not acceptable,” the judge said.

As per a report filed by the govt, there are 15 govt law colleges in the state. Until 2018, the total sanctioned posts of associate professors were 17, and all posts were vacant. As of date, the total sanctioned posts are 20, and 19 posts are vacant. Out of nine associate professors (upgraded), nine are working, the report said.

“The sanctioned posts of assistant professors are 206, and out of that sanctioned strength, 136 persons are working as assistant professors. As of date, 70 posts of assistant professors are vacant,” the report added.