Discontent Grows Among Youth and Guest Faculty Over 3,540 Posts

Udaipur, A fresh controversy has emerged in Rajasthan’s higher education sector over proposed contractual recruitment. Aspirants, research scholars, students, and members of the academic community have raised serious objections to the hiring process being carried out through the Rajasthan College Education Society under the “Hiring of Manpower Rules, 2023.” According to available information, around 3,540 posts of Teaching Associates are being filled on a five-year contractual basis in government colleges. Aspirants argue that since the nature of the work is permanent, adopting a contractual model undermines both the quality of higher education and the future prospects of qualified candidates. Meanwhile, reports of the government filing a caveat in anticipation of possible legal challenges have further intensified concerns. Candidates believe this indicates that the authorities were already aware of the likelihood of disputes and should address the issues raised by youth more seriously. ❗ Key Concerns Raised Aspirants and guest faculty have cited guidelines of the University Grants Commission and the National Education Policy 2020 while outlining several objections: Five-year contracts create job insecurity and psychological pressure among teachers Unequal pay for equal work, violating the principle of fairness Lack of permanent opportunities for NET/SET/JRF/PhD-qualified candidates Negative impact on long-term academic planning and research quality Monthly remuneration of ₹28,850 termed inadequate Lack of transparency and discretionary clauses in recruitment conditions Neglect of experienced guest faculty working under the Vidya Sambal Yojana Candidates have also criticized the model as an attempt to run higher education on a “corporate pattern,” arguing that education should be treated as a social investment. ⚖️ Constitutional and Policy Concerns The recruitment model is being questioned for allegedly violating principles enshrined in the Article 14 of Indian Constitution and Article 16 of Indian Constitution, particularly in terms of equality and equal opportunity, as well as the doctrine of “Equal Pay for Equal Work.” 📌 Major Demands by Youth and Guest Faculty Abolish the RAJ-CES system and bring colleges directly under the Directorate of College Education Cancel the five-year contractual recruitment under Hiring of Manpower Rules, 2023 Conduct academic recruitments through the Rajasthan Public Service Commission and non-academic recruitments via the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board Issue a clear calendar for regular (permanent) recruitments Make the Sodhani Committee report public Give priority to experienced guest faculty Impose a complete ban on contractual hiring in higher education ⚠️ Warning of Legal Action and Protest Aspirants and guest faculty have warned that if their demands are not addressed, they will approach the courts and also organize peaceful protests. A guest faculty member stated: “We have been teaching for years, yet we are being ignored. UGC norms and NEP 2020 emphasize permanent and quality faculty, and the Constitution guarantees equality and equal opportunity. We urge the government to make the recruitment process transparent and fair, and to provide due opportunities to guest faculty.” The issue has sparked a broader debate on policy, transparency, and the future of higher education in Rajasthan.