Kolhan University professors face career and financial stalemate

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Jan 3: Kolhan University continues to grapple with a significant shortage of senior professors as 43 out of the 46 professors from the 1983 batch have retired without receiving long-overdue promotions. These professors, stuck between the service conditions of Bihar and Jharkhand, were supposed to be promoted from readers to professors before retirement but faced prolonged delays.

The absence of promotions has resulted in an estimated financial loss of Rs. 2 crore per professor. Despite multiple petitions, letters, and memorandums to the university and government, no resolution has been reached. The Supreme Court had ruled in favour of these professors, yet their grievances remain unaddressed.

“We have written to the university and the government numerous times, but the situation has not changed. It is a matter of grave injustice,” lamented a retired professor.

Proposals stuck in bureaucratic hurdles

Promotion proposals were sent to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) on several occasions but were repeatedly returned without action. Two years ago, Kolhan University submitted another proposal to the Higher Education Department and JPSC. However, no decision has been made to date.

“There is no promotion matter pending at the Higher Education Department level. This responsibility lies with JPSC and the university,” clarified Rahul Puswar, Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Jharkhand.

Professors from affiliated colleges under Ranchi University received promotions and financial benefits after court rulings. Conversely, Kolhan University professors have not received similar treatment, even for those who approached the judiciary.

Dr. Parshuram Siyat, in-charge at Kolhan University, stated, “Promotion proposals have been sent to JPSC and the Higher Education Department. Further steps will depend on instructions from the concerned authorities.”

A Long-standing issue

The stalemate stems from a historical anomaly. Professors were expected to be promoted to readers within ten years of service, a process that should have concluded in 1995. However, due to administrative lapses, these promotions were never implemented. Adding to the confusion, the University Grants Commission introduced new rules in 1998, creating a gap in regulations between 1995 and 1997.

This prolonged inaction has left Kolhan University professors without the financial benefits and career growth they deserved. “The injustice faced by Kolhan University professors is unacceptable, especially when others in similar positions have received their dues,” remarked a senior academic observer.

As the issue remains unresolved, Kolhan University’s academic community awaits decisive action to address these longstanding grievances.