The Osmania University Teachers Association (OUTA) has leveled serious allegations against the university administration, claiming it unjustly denied career promotions to 46 faculty members. This decision, impacting a significant 25% of the candidates considered, came despite the teachers reportedly meeting all the official eligibility criteria set by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Interviews Override Credentials, Violate UGC Norms
At the heart of the controversy is the alleged over-reliance on the interview process. Faculty members assert that their promotions were rejected solely based on their performance in interviews. This practice directly contradicts UGC regulations, which stipulate that interviews should carry only a 20% weightage in the overall assessment and cannot be the solitary ground for denying promotion.
B Manohar, a representative from OUTA, highlighted the arbitrary nature of the recent decisions. He stated that several teachers with demonstrably strong research portfolios, proven teaching skills, and excellent command of their subject knowledge were still denied advancement. Manohar contrasted this with past procedures, where written feedback on rejections was provided, allowing faculty to understand and work on their shortcomings.
Alarming Rejection Rates Across Faculty Levels
The association has described the scale of rejections as "alarming." The provided statistics paint a concerning picture of the promotion process's outcomes:
- For the position of Senior Professor, only 8 out of 16 interviewed faculty received promotion orders.
- For the post of Professor, merely 33 out of 50 candidates were successful.
- For Associate Professor, promotions were granted to only 54 out of 75 interviewed faculty members.
This cumulative data reveals that 46 teachers saw their promotions stalled. The faculty members have raised a fundamental question: if the final decision hinges entirely on the interview, what is the purpose of meticulously evaluating and allotting marks for publications, domain expertise, and teaching ability as per UGC guidelines?
Credibility of the Promotion Process Under Scrutiny
The current dispute throws a spotlight on the transparency and fairness of internal promotion mechanisms at one of India's historic universities. The teachers' body implies that the subjective interview stage is being used to override objective qualifications and documented achievements. This incident has sparked a significant debate on administrative accountability and the protection of faculty rights within the higher education system. The outcome of this confrontation could set a precedent for how UGC regulations are implemented in universities across the region.
