50 professors’ contracts ended

Around 40 to 50 assistant professors of the University of Mumbai have been issued termination orders at the conclusion of their contract in June. This has created a furore among the professors, some of who have been working with the university for 15-20 years on contractual basis. The university has, however, justified the move and said that the process is in consonance with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) norms.

A professor, who has been employed in one of the university departments for more than 11 years, said that many professors received relieving letters that stated that their services were not required and the contracts would not be renewed after June.

“We have been taking lectures for so many years and there are others who have been doing so for the past 20 years. The university’s notice has come as a shock for most of us and we do not know what to do or whom to approach,” said the professor.

As per the UGC norms, universities are permitted to hire contractual teachers/professors from time to time to cover up for the shortage of teachers in courses. The university pays the salaries of the teachers thus appointed through the grants that it receives from the commission. The professors said that while there was no drop in enrolment, their ouster was indicative of some vested interest of the university officials.

Justifying the decision, Dr M.A. Khan, registrar, MU said, “It is a routine procedure and the university hires professors on a contractual basis of six months to overcome the shortage of academic staff in different departments. While the teachers have been told that their services have been discontinued, there is nothing that will deter the university from hiring them again if there is a need for the same,” said Dr Khan.

The teachers have, meanwhile, decided to approach the education minister and the governor for redressal.