Trichy: Higher education minister Govi Chezhian on Thursday announced that more than 2,000 permanent professors will soon be appointed across Tamil Nadu.

Speaking to reporters after attending a private college event in Trichy, the minister said the vacancies arose due to the establishment of new colleges, additional departments, and extra shifts in 64 institutions.

“This fulfils a 13-year-old demand for permanent professors,” Chezhian said, adding that while the previous government failed to act, the DMK government had initially planned to appoint 4,000 professors. Court interventions had delayed the process, but the government has now issued notifications for 2,700 posts, with examination dates to be announced shortly.

He said 881 applications have also been received for honorary lecturer positions. Criticising the governor’s continued interference in university affairs despite Supreme Court directives, Chezhian said the chief minister is determined to overcome such hurdles and take higher education in Tamil Nadu to greater heights.