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 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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]]>read also: Uproar in Jharkhand Against New UGC Regulations
According to PSC leaders, the revised UGC rules are anti-student and undermine the academic autonomy of higher education institutions. They alleged that the new framework weakens the recruitment process of teachers, affects research standards, and promotes contractual appointments instead of permanent faculty positions.
Protesters raised slogans demanding the immediate withdrawal of the new regulations and accused the central authorities of ignoring the concerns of the academic community. The march, which began from the university campus, was stopped by police near the Raj Bhavan, leading to a brief standoff between protesters and security personnel.
PSC representatives stated that education policies should be framed through dialogue with students and educators rather than being imposed unilaterally. They warned that if the UGC regulations are not revoked, the organisation will escalate the agitation at a national level.
The police maintained that adequate security arrangements were made to prevent disruption of public order, while allowing peaceful protest. Several PSC members were briefly detained and later released.
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]]>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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]]>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 Al Falah University Clarifies Its Stand After Delhi Blast Investigation appeared first on The Edge Media.
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Statement on Detained Faculty Members
University officials confirmed that the two detained doctors, Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, were associated with the university in their professional roles and that the institution had no connection with their alleged activities outside work Dr Ganaie who was arrested on October 30 had been a faculty member of Al Falah University Investigations later revealed that 2900 kilograms of explosives and flammable substances were found in two rooms rented by him outside the university campus.
University Rejects Online Allegations
Al Falah University expressed concern over misleading online reports attempting to damage its reputation The administration stated that no chemicals or explosive materials were ever stored or used within university premises It clarified that all laboratories function solely for educational and training purposes under strict safety and ethical regulations mandated by authorities.
Connection to the Delhi Blast Probe
Preliminary investigations into the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed twelve lives, indicated possible links to a suspected terror module operating from Faridabad Dr Umar Nabi who drove the vehicle that exploded in Delhi was also reportedly connected to Al Falah University.
Institution’s Commitment to Cooperation
Reaffirming its integrity, the university stated that it fully supports national security agencies in their investigation and will continue to cooperate until the case reaches a fair and conclusive outcome The university also reiterated its dedication to the values of peace and unity.
Background of Al Falah University
Established under the Al Falah Group, which has been managing educational institutions since 1997, the university gained autonomy in 2009 and received university status in 2014 It has been offering various academic and professional programs including MBBS training since 2019 Many of its graduates now serve in reputed hospitals and organizations across India and abroad.
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