Jammu

Universities across Jammu and Kashmir are facing a significant shortage of teaching staff, with nearly 40 per cent of sanctioned faculty positions currently unfilled, according to official figures.

Data from the Higher Education Department shows that out of more than 3,300 approved teaching posts across nine public universities and two central institutions under the Union Ministry of Education, only about 1,900 positions are occupied. This shortfall has left several universities operating with far fewer faculty members than required.

At the University of Jammu, 252 teachers are in place against 442 sanctioned posts, resulting in a vacancy rate of around 43 per cent. Similarly, the University of Kashmir has 373 faculty members compared to 570 approved posts, leaving roughly 35 per cent positions vacant.

Among agricultural institutions, SKUAST-Jammu is functioning with 237 teachers against 411 sanctioned posts, while SKUAST-Kashmir has 424 faculty members in place out of 540 positions.

Some universities are facing even steeper shortages. Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University has just 93 teachers against 241 sanctioned posts, while the Islamic University of Science and Technology is operating with 135 teachers against 385 approved positions.

Among central institutions, the Central University of Kashmir has 108 teachers for 195 sanctioned posts, while the Central University of Jammu is comparatively better staffed with 160 teachers out of 177 positions. Cluster universities in Jammu and Srinagar also reflect gaps, though to varying degrees.

Overall, vacancy levels across universities range from around 20 per cent to more than 60 per cent, raising concerns about increased academic workload and the effective functioning of departments.

Student enrolment across these institutions exceeds 69,000, with the majority being local students. Non-local enrolment stands at over 3,400, including a small number of foreign students. The highest enrolment is recorded in cluster universities at Jammu and Srinagar, followed by the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu.

Faculty composition data indicates that most teachers in state universities are locals. For instance, the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu have a large majority of local faculty members. In contrast, central universities show a higher proportion of non-local teachers, particularly at the Central University of Jammu.

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The data underscores the pressing need to address faculty shortages to ensure quality education and smooth academic functioning across the region.