Anna University has dismissed over 300 temporary engineering college faculty members. The Temporary Professors’ Association claims this action defies court orders. The association alleges 328 professors were terminated across 16 affiliated colleges. They state these dismissals violate Supreme Court and Madras High Court directives. The professors have taught for 10 to 15 years. Many hold doctoral degrees. The association asserts judicial orders for regularisation date back to 2020.
Allegations of Educational Compromise
The dismissals have disrupted educational standards. Educationists warn Anna University is using administrative shortcuts. This practice compromises technical education quality. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) mandates a 1:20 teacher-student ratio for labs. The university allegedly instructed one teacher for 60 to 80 students. This creates unsafe lab conditions. It limits direct training and evaluation. Hands-on experience suffers.
A video conference reportedly involved the Registrar (in-charge). Principals were instructed to conduct dual-medium classes. Tamil and English medium students would be taught simultaneously. The association claims this targets the removal of consolidated-pay assistant professors. This action aims to bypass legal requirements for termination. It forces instructors out without proper due process.
Political Promises and Unmet Expectations
The Temporary Professors’ Association highlighted election promises. The Tamil Nadu chief minister pledged to regularise consolidated-pay employees. This applied to those with 10 years of service. The professors met this criterion. Approved vacant posts exist within the university. The administration opted for dismissal instead of regularisation. This contradicts stated policy and political commitments.
Faculty representatives have submitted petitions. They addressed higher education officials and the university registrar. These appeals reportedly received no response. The association demands immediate reinstatement of professors. They argue this protects education quality. It also preserves Anna University’s degree credibility. Failure to act may lead to intensified protests statewide. The association threatens wider demonstrations.