Research activities at Khallikote Unitary University (KUU) in Berhampur have been affected as the four-year-old varsity continues to operate without any permanent professors.

Established on Aug 1, 2021, KUU was upgraded from the 148-year-old Khallikote College, comprising 16 departments. The govt sanctioned 112 teaching posts for the university, including 16 professors, 32 associate professors, and 64 assistant professors. However, not a single professor has been appointed so far. Only one permanent associate professor and 19 permanent assistant professors are employed.

Currently, teaching is temporarily managed by 36 guest faculty members, one professor, five associate professors, and 30 assistant professors, but research activities have suffered significantly. “Despite UGC recognition under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, the university has been unable to launch its PhD programme due to the lack of regular teaching staff,” said Geetanjali Dash, vice chancellor (in-charge).

Around 5,500 students are enrolled in postgraduate, undergraduate, and self-financing courses. Students alleged that despite the appointment of guest faculty, classes continue to suffer. “Our mathematics class was suspended almost every day as there was only one teacher in the department,” said a Plus III (science) student. Commerce students have raised similar complaints.

Dash acknowledged the shortage of teaching staff. “We have appealed to the govt for the appointment of at least 42 more guest faculty members to tackle the crisis. We hope the govt will sanction it,” she said. Local MLA K. Anil Kumar added, “I have already discussed the issue with the state education minister, Suryavanshi Suraj, who assured that teachers will soon be appointed.”