TN to Recruit 6,000 Assistant Professors and Invest Rs 1,000 Cr in College Infrastructure

Higher Education Minister P. Viswanathan announced in the Assembly on Monday that 6,000 assistant professors will be recruited in three phases for government arts, science, and engineering colleges across the state. Delivering the announcements during the debate on the demand for grants for his department in Chennai, the minister also unveiled a Rs. 1,000 crore allocation to enhance infrastructure across government educational institutions.

Addressing workforce and welfare measures in higher education, Viswanathan announced an increase in the consolidated monthly pay for guest lecturers in government arts, science, and engineering colleges, raising it from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000. Additionally, the government will launch an education guarantee scheme offering collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 20 lakh without bonds to support students pursuing higher education.

To strengthen academic quality and autonomy, ten NAAC-accredited government arts and science colleges will be upgraded to autonomous status, with Rs. 20 crore sanctioned for the transition. The minister also earmarked Rs. 36 crore to supply equipment to 206 government arts and science colleges.

Further technological and laboratory enhancements were detailed for undergraduate institutions. A total of 260 interactive smart boards will be distributed across 130 Grade II government arts and science colleges, while Rs. 8 crore has been set aside for laboratory chemicals and glassware equipment.

In addition, the state will establish the Periyar Institute for Emerging Technologies to offer education in advanced domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Mechanics, Bio-technology, Climate technology, and cyber security. The government also plans to formulate a Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Policy aimed at bolstering research and development, protecting intellectual property rights, and driving a knowledge-based economy.

Among other initiatives, Viswanathan announced financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh each for ten student-led satellite design schemes, along with the introduction of German and Japanese language courses for college students.