The Goa University Teachers’ Association (GUTA) has issued a strong warning to politicians and sections of the media against tarnishing the reputation of Goa University and its faculty.
Responding to Vice-Chancellor Prof Harilal Menon’s reported remarks in a section of the press that the university’s ranking was declining due to the imposition of a domicile requirement, GUTA chairman Prof Ramrao Wagh said certain political party spokespersons had even named faculty members from other States and accused them of failing to produce substantial research.
Prof Wagh asserted that all Goa University faculty, ‘regardless of domicile, have worked hard together’, efforts which had earned the institution an A+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). “The teachers of Goa University stand united on the issue and will not tolerate any attempts by political parties or sections of the media to divide the staff based on domicile,” he warned.
Wagh said that in discussions with the Vice-Chancellor over his reported comments, Prof Menon clarified his concern was that several senior teachers would retire in the coming years and existing faculty were not eligible for promotion to fill these posts. Vacancies had been advertised in some disciplines, he said, but suitable applicants had not been found.
GUTA maintained that more data was required before concluding that a relaxation in domicile rules was necessary. It proposed that if a shortage arose, relaxation should be sought from the government only after at least three consecutive advertisements failed to attract suitable candidates.
The association also suggested appointing adjunct or visiting faculty on a temporary basis when suitable applicants could not be found.