TN to Implement Career Advancement Scheme and Fill 6,000 Teaching Posts

The Tamil Nadu government is taking all necessary steps to resolve the ongoing impasse over the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to State-run universities while safeguarding the rights of the State, Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

Speaking during the debate on the Demand for Grants for the Higher Education Department, Mr. Viswanathan stated that the appointment issue is currently entangled in litigation before the Madras High Court. He noted that the government is actively pursuing legal and administrative measures to address the situation, adding that finding a resolution is part of the government's vision document. Currently, 12 out of 13 universities in Tamil Nadu, with the exception of Mother Teresa Women’s University, are functioning without Vice-Chancellors, with Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and Alagappa University being the latest additions.

Presenting the Demand for Grants, the Minister announced the implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for teachers in government-aided arts and science colleges, government and government-aided engineering colleges, and polytechnic colleges. The scheme will come into effect prospectively from September 1, addressing a long-pending demand that had seen multiple demonstrations by teachers of government-aided institutions in recent years.

Mr. Viswanathan also announced that the government will fill over 6,000 existing teaching vacancies across government arts, science, and technical institutions through the Teachers’ Recruitment Board in three phases. In addition, the ongoing recruitment drive for 2,708 assistant professors in government arts and science colleges will be completed soon.

The monthly honorarium for guest lecturers in government arts, science, and technology institutions has been increased from ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 with immediate effect. Guest lecturers in polytechnic colleges will now receive ₹30,000 per month, an increase from ₹25,000.

Among other policy initiatives, the government will establish the Periyar Institute of Emerging Technologies at Anna University. In its initial phase, the institute will offer courses in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, climate technology, space technology, and cyber security. The government will also introduce legislation to establish a School of Excellence for education and research in basic sciences.

To upgrade academic infrastructure, ₹1,000 crore has been allocated under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Kalluri Membattu Thittam, alongside plans to build 2,000 hostels across the State. Furthermore, ₹8.1 crore has been set aside for laboratory consumables, chemicals, glassware, and minor repairs. The department will upgrade 10 accredited government colleges to autonomous status and elevate four colleges from Grade 2 to Grade 1. Under the Education Guarantee Scheme, tie-ups with nationalised banks will enable collateral-free student loans of up to ₹20 lakh.