The Odisha Higher Education Department has decided to appoint guest lecturers in various State Public Universities across the state to address academic requirements and ensure the smooth functioning of teaching activities. In this regard, the department has issued a letter to the registrars of all colleges, outlining the process for the engagement of guest faculty members.

According to the directive, the guest lecturers will be appointed for a period of six months. The move is aimed at filling temporary teaching vacancies and strengthening academic support in institutions where faculty shortages exist.

The Higher Education Department has asked the concerned authorities to take necessary steps for the recruitment process in accordance with the guidelines issued. The appointment of guest lecturers is expected to help maintain uninterrupted teaching and improve academic activities in colleges across Odisha. 

Also Read: Odisha govt issues strong warning to Universities over illegal appointments

“The process for recruitment of regular faculty in all State Public Universities under the Higher Education Department has already been initiated and is under process. Meanwhile, proposals have been received from different Universities seeking approval for continuation of the existing Guest Faculties engaged under Higher Education Department Letter No. 4477/HE dated 01.02.2024 and for engagement of new Guest Faculties against vacant teaching posts to ensure that academic activities are not hampered due to shortage of teaching staff. After careful consideration and in the interest of maintaining uninterrupted teaching-learning activities, the Government has been pleased to allow all State Public Universities to re-engage the existing Guest Faculties engaged under the aforesaid letter and also engage new Guest Faculties against vacant teaching posts, purely as a temporary measure, for a period of six months or till completion of the regular recruitment process, whichever is earlier,” read the letter issued by the Higher Education Department.

“The concerned Universities shall mandatorily upload in the HIMS portal the total number of Guest Faculties engaged under Letter No. 4477/HE dated 01.02.2024 and the vacancies against which fresh engagement is proposed. Universities shall also upload geo-tagged photographs of Guest Faculties while taking classes as documentary proof of academic engagement. Further, candidates selected under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship scheme under MRIP are required to undertake teaching assignments for five hours per week for UG/PG students. Accordingly, while calculating the workload requirement for fresh engagement of Guest Faculties/re-engagement of existing Guest Faculties, the teaching contribution of such Fellowship candidates shall be duly considered,” it further read.