The post Large Scale Recruitment Drive Planned in Higher Education Institutions appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>In several central universities and medical colleges, many professorial and associate level positions are unfilled. Officials have indicated that vacant posts, especially in reserved categories, have created operational challenges for institutions. To resolve this, the government is examining proposals to expand the total number of posts so that even if reserved seats remain unfilled due to a lack of eligible candidates, general category appointments can still be accommodated without reducing representation norms.
According to available information, around 45 central universities across the country have nearly 5,400 vacant teaching posts. These include positions for Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors. A substantial portion of these vacancies fall under reserved categories. In some institutions, up to 40 percent of sanctioned positions are reportedly vacant.
Data presented in Parliament earlier also highlighted that out of thousands of approved teaching posts, a significant number remain unoccupied. In certain universities, more than 6,000 posts are sanctioned, yet over 2,500 positions are vacant. Nearly half of the sanctioned posts are reserved under various constitutional provisions, and reports suggest that 90 to 95 percent of the vacant positions belong to reserved categories.
The government has directed central institutions to speed up recruitment processes. Universities have been asked to launch special drives to fill reserved category posts on priority. An online recruitment portal has also been introduced to simplify and streamline appointments in central universities.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed that vacancies in higher education institutions should be filled within a specified time frame. Following concerns that more than 70 percent of posts were vacant in some institutions, directions were issued to complete recruitment within a few months.
Officials say that the process of converting reserved vacancies into general category posts is lengthy and involves multiple approvals from regulatory bodies and ministries. Because of this, filling posts through reclassification is not considered a quick solution. Instead, increasing the total number of sanctioned posts is being explored as a practical alternative.
Efforts are also underway to conduct interviews and selection procedures in a time bound manner. In some institutions, interviews for faculty recruitment are now being completed within three months to prevent delays.
The proposed expansion in total posts is aimed at ensuring that universities function smoothly without compromising reservation policies. By increasing the sanctioned strength, authorities hope to maintain representation while also addressing faculty shortages that impact teaching and research activities.
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]]>The post UP Board Plans Recruitment of 60,000 Instructors in 29,000 Schools appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>To implement this initiative, each school will have to arrange two instructors using its own resources. The board will also determine the qualifications and eligibility criteria for these instructors, and detailed guidelines regarding their appointment are expected to be issued to schools soon.
In collaboration with Pandit Sundarlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education, Bhopal, the board is introducing 108 new vocational curricula. These courses aim to strengthen skill-based education and include modern and industry-relevant subjects such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, media studies and auto service technician training.
The newly designed curricula focus on current technological needs, industry expectations and improving students’ employability. Emphasis has been placed on practical learning, skill development and job-oriented content in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
Another key feature of the programme is that schools will select subjects based on their geographical location. Each school must choose at least two vocational subjects that align with local industries. For example, students in Bhadohi may receive training linked to the carpet industry. Additionally, a mandatory 10-day internship has been included in industrial establishments related to the chosen vocational subjects.
According to UP Board Secretary Bhagwati Singh, this initiative is a significant step towards connecting school education with employment opportunities. It aims to provide students with practical knowledge, encourage skill development and better prepare them to face future challenges.
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]]>The post Supreme Court Stays UGC Equity Rules, Opposition Welcomes Decision Amid Sharp Political Reactions appeared first on The Edge Media.
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The top court observed that the UGC’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, were prima facie vague, open to misuse, and capable of having sweeping consequences that could divide society. It also directed the Centre and the UGC to file their responses by March 19 on petitions challenging the regulations.
Leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and Trinamool Congress hailed the stay as timely and necessary.
BSP chief Mayawati said the regulations had created an atmosphere of social tension across universities, and the court’s intervention was appropriate under the circumstances. She added that the situation could have been avoided had the UGC consulted all stakeholders and ensured fair representation in inquiry committees, in line with principles of natural justice.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also welcomed the order, stressing that both the language and intent of any law must be clear to prevent injustice. He said true justice ensures that no group is oppressed and no unfairness is inflicted on anyone, adding that ambiguity in rules often leads to social division.
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of deliberately creating conflicts on religion and caste to divert public attention from pressing issues. Another Congress leader, Ranjit Ranjan, suggested that the regulations be referred to a parliamentary standing committee, stating that the government failed to clearly define the framework and did not take students into confidence, which led to nationwide protests.
Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee termed the UGC guidelines unconstitutional and said the Supreme Court had taken the correct step by staying them.
In contrast, the CPI-ML-Liberation said it was deeply appalled by the court’s observations, describing them as reflecting a myopic attitude towards the lived realities
of caste discrimination. The party cited UGC data showing that complaints of caste-based bias in universities and colleges rose by 118 percent between 2019 and 2024. It argued that discrimination remains a harsh daily reality in educational institutions and warned against dismissing equality measures as divisive.
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha also weighed in, remarking that history shows judicial neutrality often depends on which
status quo the law chooses to protect.
The regulations were challenged on the grounds that they narrowly defined caste-based discrimination as affecting only Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, raising concerns about exclusion and interpretation. With the stay now in place, the court will examine detailed responses before deciding the future course of the regulations.
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]]>The post Uproar in Jharkhand Against New UGC Regulations appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>read also: Lucknow University Students Protest Against New UGC Regulations
The anger against the UGC’s new rules is no longer confined to social media. Students and activists are staging demonstrations, alleging that the regulations promote inequality rather than ensuring equal opportunities in higher education. Protesters argue that the rules weaken the reservation framework and may lead to discrimination based on caste and social background.
According to the UGC, the new regulations aim to eliminate discrimination in higher education institutions. Under the revised framework, universities and colleges have been instructed to establish Equal Opportunity Cells and grievance redressal committees to address complaints related to caste-based discrimination.
The rules mandate that every higher education institution must create a mechanism to ensure equality and provide support to students from marginalised communities. The UGC has also clarified that these measures are intended to ensure fair treatment and inclusive academic environments.
However, student organisations claim that the implementation of the rules may dilute the existing reservation system and reduce safeguards for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minority students. They allege that the regulations shift focus away from affirmative action and could limit representation in faculty recruitment and admissions.
In Jharkhand, protests were reported in Ranchi and several other cities, where student groups raised slogans and submitted memoranda to district administrations. Similar demonstrations were held in Uttar Pradesh and other states, reflecting growing nationwide opposition.
Student leaders stated that universities should remain spaces of social justice and democratic values. They warned that if the UGC does not withdraw or amend the controversial provisions, protests will be intensified at the national level.
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]]>The post Departmental Action Ordered Against Suspended Bareilly City Magistrate appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>According to official sources, the officer was earlier suspended after multiple complaints were received regarding misuse of authority and failure to follow established administrative procedures. The matter was reviewed at the state level, after which the competent authority approved formal departmental action under service rules.
Officials stated that during his tenure, several decisions taken by the City Magistrate raised concerns, particularly in matters related to law and order management and coordination with district administration. These issues reportedly led to public dissatisfaction and prompted higher authorities to intervene.
The government has now directed the appointment of an inquiry officer to conduct a detailed departmental investigation. During the inquiry period, the suspended officer will be required to cooperate fully and submit explanations related to the allegations. Based on the findings of the inquiry, further disciplinary action will be decided.
Senior administrative officials clarified that the action reflects the government’s commitment to accountability and transparent governance. They added that no officer is above rules and any violation of administrative discipline will be dealt with strictly as per law.
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]]>The post Lucknow University Students Protest Against New UGC Regulations appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>read also: PSC Protests Against New UGC Regulations, Marches to Raj Bhavan
The protesting students raised slogans opposing the UGC’s new rules, alleging that the regulations threaten the future of higher education and weaken democratic processes within universities. According to the protesters, the new framework promotes contractual appointments, undermines academic autonomy, and adversely affects research scholars and teaching staff.
Student leaders claimed that the regulations were introduced without consulting students or teachers and accused the government of attempting to centralise control over universities. They further alleged that the policies would negatively impact social justice and inclusive education.
Police personnel remained stationed at the protest site to prevent any escalation of the situation. While the demonstration remained largely peaceful, students expressed anger over what they described as repeated attempts to suppress dissent on campuses.
Separately, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also held a protest at the main gate of Lucknow University against the detention of former Delhi University Students’ Union president Rounak Khatri. NSUI leaders accused the administration of targeting student activists and curbing democratic voices.
NSUI state vice-president Arjun Mishra stated that universities should be centres of free thought and debate, not instruments of political control. He warned that student organisations would intensify protests across the state if the UGC regulations are not withdrawn.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that security arrangements were strengthened to maintain law and order. Some protesters were briefly detained and later released.
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]]>The post Ashoka Chakra Conferred on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for Historic ISS Mission appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Shubhanshu Shukla created history in June last year by becoming the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station and only the second Indian to travel to space. He was part of the landmark Axiom Mission 4, marking India’s return to human spaceflight 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s mission aboard Soyuz.
An accomplished fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Shukla has logged more than 2,000 hours of flying experience across a wide range of aircraft. His operational profile includes advanced platforms such as the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, reflecting his extensive expertise and operational excellence.
During the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla served as the pilot and played a crucial role in mission operations aboard the ISS. His participation in complex scientific experiments and coordination with international space agencies earned him widespread recognition from global space experts and further strengthened India’s standing in human space exploration.
The mission was conducted by US-based private space company Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Indian Space Research Organisation. Shukla’s successful journey and performance made him a household name and a symbol of India’s growing capabilities in space science and technology.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla hails from Lucknow and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2006. His journey from the cockpit to orbit stands as a testament to dedication, skill, and national service.
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]]>The post Former Bus Conductor, Doctors Among 45 Padma Shri Awardees Named Unsung Heroes appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Anke Gowda, once a bus conductor from Haralahalli village near Mysuru in Karnataka, has been honoured for setting up Pustak Mane, the world’s largest free access library. The library houses over two million books in more than 20 languages along with rare manuscripts and has emerged as a major centre for learning and knowledge sharing across the country.
Medical professionals feature prominently among the awardees. Mumbai based paediatrician Armida Fernandes has been recognised for founding Asia’s first human milk bank, a pioneering initiative that has significantly improved infant survival. Shyam Sundar was selected for developing an affordable diagnostic test for Kala Azar, also known as black fever, while veteran haematologist Suresh Hangavadi was honoured for his lifelong contribution to the treatment of Haemophilia.
The list also includes Ladakh based Padma Gurmet for promoting ancient Tibetan medicine, Tamil Nadu veterinary scientist Punniamurthy Natesan for combining traditional practices with modern animal healthcare, Hyderabad based geneticist Kumarasamy Thangharaj, and Gujarat based social worker Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala, founder of Donate Life, who has played a key role in promoting organ donation.
Several artists preserving India’s rich cultural heritage have also been honoured. These include Bundeli war art trainer Bhagwandas Raikwar from Madhya Pradesh, Silambam martial art exponent K Pajanivel from Puducherry, 90 year old tribal Tarpa musician Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda from Maharashtra, and 100 year old Nata Sankirtana performer Yumnam Jatra Singh from Manipur.
Other awardees include folk dancer Vishwa Bandhu from Bihar, Rajasthani Bhapang musician Gafruddin Mewati Jogi, Gujarati Maanbhatt artist Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya and Taga Ram Bheel, who has worked to preserve the fading Algoza musical tradition.
The Padma Shri has also been conferred on theatre and performing arts contributors, such as, Odisha based Sakhi Nata actor Simanchal Patro, Naga folk theatre guru Sangyusang S Pongener, and Assam scenographer Nuruddin Ahmed.
Among those recognised for social service and community development are Jammu and Kashmir based social worker Brij Lal Bhat, Budri Thati for establishing schools in Naxal affected regions of Chhattisgarh, Ramchandra and Sunita Godbole for providing affordable healthcare to tribal communities in Bastar, former IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sandhu for sanitation advocacy, and Techi Gubin for preserving the culture of the Nishi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh.
The list further honours literary figures and artisans, such as, Santhali author Charan Hembram, senior journalist Kailash Chandra Pant for promoting Hindi for over six decades, Kashmiri writer Shafi Shauq, and Naresh Chandra Debbarma for advancing Tripura’s Kokborok language.
Craft and environmental contributions were recognised through awards to brass engraver Chiranji Lal Yadav from Moradabad, bronze sculptor Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar, Kantha embroidery mentor Tripti Mukherjee, Jamdani weaving trainer Khem Raj Sundriyal, 92 year old environmentalist Kollakkayil Devaki Amma G from Kerala, Meghalaya’s Hally War for traditional afforestation and water conservationist Mohan Nagar from Madhya Pradesh.
Agricultural innovation and rural development were acknowledged through honours to Shrirang Devba Lad for the Dada Lad cotton farming technique, Mahendra Kumar Mishra of Odisha for protecting tribal voices, Raghupat Singh from Uttar Pradesh for farming innovations, and Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar for using Tamasha art to raise awareness on drug addiction.
Sources said the Padma Awards this year continue the tradition of celebrating ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions to society, many of whom have overcome personal hardship while serving communities in remote and marginalised regions.
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]]>The post Medical PG Admissions Open to Zero Percentile Candidates as Government Cuts NEET PG Cut off appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The government has allowed candidates with zero percentile scores to participate in postgraduate medical admissions after sharply reducing the NEET PG cut off, a move aimed at filling around 18,000 vacant seats across the country. The decision comes at a time when doctors and medical associations are staging protests over issues related to admissions, working conditions and healthcare infrastructure.
Officials said the cut off was lowered after multiple rounds of counselling failed to fill a large number of PG medical seats, raising concerns about the shortage of specialist doctors in government and private hospitals. By opening admissions to candidates who scored zero percentile, authorities hope to ensure optimal utilisation of available seats and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
The reduction in the cut off applies across categories, allowing a wider pool of candidates to compete for remaining MD, MS and diploma seats. Medical education regulators have maintained that the move is a temporary and exceptional measure taken in the larger public interest, especially to address gaps in specialist care.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from sections of the medical fraternity. Several doctors’ bodies have argued that lowering standards could impact the quality of postgraduate medical training and patient care in the long term. Protesting doctors have also linked the issue to broader concerns about medical education reforms, faculty shortages and uneven distribution of seats.
Government sources have defended the move, stating that unfilled PG seats represent a loss of valuable training capacity and public resources. They emphasised that eligibility to participate in counselling does not guarantee admission, as candidates must still meet other academic and institutional requirements.
The counselling process for the vacant seats is expected to proceed on an accelerated timeline, with authorities urging eligible candidates to register promptly. The government has indicated that it will review the impact of the cut off reduction after the admission cycle and consider corrective steps if required.
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]]>The post Indian IT Industry Enters 2026 Amid Visa Pressures and AI-Driven Transformation appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>The visa related proposals created sharp market volatility towards the end of 2025, disrupting employee travel plans and putting pressure on IT stocks.
Subsequent clarifications provided limited relief, but new concerns emerged around social media screening and unpredictable processing timelines. Analysts caution that significantly higher visa costs could add hundreds of millions of dollars to operating expenses for large IT players, further accelerating the shift toward offshore delivery models and non US hubs.
Industry leaders maintain that Indian IT companies have already reduced risk exposure by increasing local hiring in the United States and strengthening delivery capabilities within India. While geopolitical tensions and trade frictions have clouded near term prospects, they are also encouraging multinational corporations to expand their global capability centres in India to manage regulatory risk and protect profit margins.
The announcement of a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas in September triggered widespread concern, affected travel schedules and weighed heavily on technology stocks.
Although the clarification that the fee would apply only to new visas offered some reassurance, renewed focus on social media checks again raised fears of delays and uncertainty. Experts note that such policy developments are pushing firms to move more work offshore and reinforce delivery networks across India and other non US locations.
Industry representatives have reiterated that the H-1B programme was intended as a temporary solution to address skill shortages in the US. Over the years, Indian IT majors have consciously lowered their dependence on these visas by expanding local recruitment and investing in domestic talent. High skill professionals, particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, are increasingly seen as critical to innovation, competitiveness and long term growth in the global technology ecosystem.
After a subdued start to 2025, client spending gradually improved as artificial intelligence initiatives matured and key sectors such as banking, financial services and insurance began to stabilise worldwide. Global technology giants announced multibillion dollar investments in large scale data centres and sovereign AI infrastructure in India, reinforcing the country’s role as a strategic digital hub. AI adoption, when combined with India’s digital public infrastructure, is enabling deployment at population scale across education, industry and agriculture.
Worldwide investment in artificial intelligence crossed $200 billion, even as concerns surfaced about market overheating due to concentrated funding among hyperscalers, startups and chipmakers.
Infosys raised its revenue guidance for FY26 and approved its largest ever share buyback, while HCL Technologies also improved its services revenue outlook, reflecting cautious optimism.
The industry also witnessed structural changes and workforce realignments. Tata Consultancy Services announced plans to reduce around two per cent of its global workforce as part of a broader organisational transformation focused on AI deployment, technology upgrades and market expansion. Across the sector, firms intensified GenAI training, redesigned delivery models using automation and AI agents, and pursued mergers and acquisitions to strengthen capabilities. Despite rapid adoption, full scale monetisation of AI remains a work in progress.
India has further strengthened its position as a preferred destination for global capability centres, with major cities attracting banks, insurers, technology firms and multinational corporations. The GCC segment is projected to reach $105 billion by 2030, supporting millions of jobs across thousands of centres. Industry experts expect this trend to accelerate in 2026, supported by improving discretionary spending, stable budgets and targeted investments in next generation technologies.
Having navigated the volatility of 2025, the Indian IT industry enters 2026 with adaptability as its strongest asset. Its competitive edge will depend on deepening AI leadership, building resilient global delivery networks and remaining agile in the face of ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
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