Lokesh calls for transparency in faculty recruitment
Minister for Education Nara Lokesh on Friday directed universities and Vice-Chancellors to ensure complete transparency in the recruitment of Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, and Lecturers, warning that stringent action would be taken if any irregularities surfaced during the process.
Reviewing higher education and skill development initiatives at his residence in Undavalli, Mr. Lokesh said the recruitment process, including interviews, should be fair, transparent, and foolproof.
Officials informed him that 1,90,509 applications had been received for faculty posts in universities across the State, of which 1,51,836 were found eligible. Grievances relating to eligibility would be accepted until July 21, and the final list of eligible candidates would be released on July 27.
The Minister also reviewed the approval process for new private universities and admissions through various entrance examinations. He directed officials to complete admissions on schedule and ensure strict compliance with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms while granting approvals to private universities.
Reviewing the Skill Development Department, Mr. Lokesh said that 1.37 lakh youth had secured employment through job melas held across the State. He asked officials to improve access to the job fairs and link every Industrial Training Institute (ITI) with industries to bridge the skill gap and enhance employability. Officials said that 81 Industry-Academia Partnerships had been operationalised.
Mr. Lokesh also directed officials to make the ‘Naipunyam’ portal more user-friendly and launch it next month. The portal will provide career guidance, information on employment opportunities, and a digital Skill Passport for students from the first year of higher education onwards.
The Minister instructed officials to establish placement cells in all 169 Government Degree Colleges and ensure that graduates were equipped with employable skills and had access to placement opportunities.