KOLKATA: The Bengal government has sought from college principals a list of vacancies for the post of assistant professors in their respective colleges. The officials of higher education department said the government is going to fill up the vacancies in this academic year as it has sought applications from eligible candidates for the vacant posts.
According to an association of college professors and teachers, many vacancies have been created due to the establishment of new colleges and reconstitution of syllabus under choice-based credit system. Some sources said the move might prove productive with assembly elections on the anvil. The college principals will have to send the list of vacancies by March 31. They will also have to mention whether it is an existing post or a new post and explain the reason behind the vacancy.
“The format has already been shared with the colleges in the state. The colleges will have to furnish information like the shift, in which vacancy exists, if it’s in reserved category and the reason behind the vacancy,” said an official of West Bengal College Service Commission.
According to sources, close to 8,000 posts have been filled up since 2011.
“Many new colleges have come up in the past few years. So, professors and teachers are required. Due to the reconstitution of the syllabus under CBCS, the colleges are in need of more teachers. Moreover, new subjects have been introduced in colleges where assistant professors are required,” said Krishnakali Basu, president of West Bengal College and University Professors’ Association. The College Service Commission has also invited applications from eligible candidates for the post of assistant professors. The counselling is likely to start soon. The candidates, who have cleared the National Eligibility Test conducted by UGC or similar tests conducted by the state government, are eligible to apply.
“Filling up of the vacancies will help run the colleges smoothly. Several new vacancies have been created too,” said Tapan Kumar Poddar, president of the Calcutta University unit of All Bengal Principals’ Council.