Excellence in Diversity

Why in news?

IIT’s are facing shortage of qualified faculty members.

Why there is shortage of faculties in IIT’s?

• Last year, IIT Delhi had 30% deficit in its teacher ranks & currently in India 23 such institutes faces the same issue.
• The number of students rose significantly after reservation was extended to students belonging to Other Backward Classes.
• But recruiting the faculties should meet quota norms as mentioned in Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019.
• The act aims to fulfil the goal of affirmative action while making appointments.

What are the steps taken to address this issue?

• A committee was formed by the Education Ministry to suggest effective implementation of reservation in central institutions.
• It suggested that IITs should be exempted from the quota list.
• Reservation should be provided to specified grades of assistant professors by taking the institution as a whole.
• If suitable candidates are not available, the posts can be de-reserved in the subsequent year.

What is the way forward?

• Compensatory discrimination in favour of some classes of citizens is necessary to correct historical distortions.
• Massive investments should be in the education system & at all levels to raise the capability of students.
• Government should sponsor a preparatory programme at the IITs for the eligible reserved candidates to get acquainted with high quality academic work.
• They can optionally prepare for a PhD if they aspire to be teachers.
• This will not only help to fill vacancies in the IITs but also aid the institutions to achieve research excellence.
• To achieve progressive redistribution, equal opportunity & strong, liberal public school system should be provided.
• This will strengthen diversity and lay the foundation for the kind of scholarship that institutions of excellence need.
• An early decision must be taken by the government without sacrificing equity principles to address this issue.

Source: The Hindu