Environmentalist Sudhir Kumar Raut expressed his serious concern over non availability of adequate teachers in the prestigious Khallikote University.

Explaining his recent experience, Raut said that a couple of months ago when he had been to the Physics Department of Khallikote University, he was anguished to find that the department had no Professor or Associate Professor for years and only two Assistant Professors (lecturers) and contractual teachers were managing the show.

This clearly indicates that there was no recruitment of college teachers for decades together, he alleged.

If the Government fails to provide basic amenities like teachers to carry out routine teaching and research work, then what is the use of declaring an autonomous college as a university, he questioned.

Construction of colossal buildings or declaring/opening up of universities one after another in the State will not solve the purpose as it will only help create a record for the Government than serving the real purpose, Raut said demanding adequate recruitment of manpower, especially Professor and Assistant Professor in universities.

Though the 5T Secretary, Odisha keeps assuring the people that the Government will dole out whatever funds needed for the development of temples, why is he not assuring that all the colleges, universities and institutions of higher learning would be provided full-fledged faculty members, Raut asked.

He made an appeal to the 5T Secretary to ensure that all the sanctioned as well as vacant teaching posts/faculty positions of all the universities, colleges and institutions of higher learning including MKCG Medical College of Ganjam district are filled up by December.

He also requested  all the elected representatives, political parties, intellectuals and scribes to come together and make a collective endeavour to put pressure on the Government for the same.