THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, March 11: In a move aimed at addressing the persistent shortage of teachers in its colleges, Nilamber Pitamber University (NPU) has decided to engage postgraduate toppers and gold medalists as Teaching Assistants.
The initiative, launched under the direction of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dinesh Kumar Singh, seeks to support academic activities in degree colleges that are currently facing an acute shortage of faculty members.
Following the directive, Registrar Dr Nafis Ahmad issued a notification appointing eighteen Teaching Assistants, asking them to join their respective colleges by mid-March.
Majority of Appointees are Women
University officials said that twelve of the selected candidates are women, all of whom secured top positions and gold medals in postgraduate programmes across arts, science and commerce streams.
Among them is Neha Kumari, a postgraduate topper and gold medalist in Sanskrit, who has been appointed as a Teaching Assistant at SSJSN College in Garhwa to teach at the undergraduate level.
Contract-Based Appointment
Each Teaching Assistant will receive a monthly remuneration of fifteen thousand rupees, with the engagement being purely contractual for a period of eleven months.
University authorities clarified that the appointment is temporary and does not create any claim for permanent employment or provide any advantage in future recruitment.
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Support for New Colleges
Explaining the need for the initiative, the Vice Chancellor said several newly established government degree colleges under the university are facing a severe shortage of teachers.
“These colleges are badly in need of faculty members. The Teaching Assistants will help fill this academic gap and support teaching activities,” he said.
Apart from new institutions, some constituent colleges, including YSN Mahila College and JS College, are also expected to benefit from the arrangement.
Limited Academic Role
The university clarified that Teaching Assistants will not serve as examiners in university examinations.
However, they may assist in tasks related to examination management, such as invigilation or supporting activities in college examination control rooms.
Initiative Emerged After Convocation
Officials said the idea of engaging postgraduate toppers and gold medalists as Teaching Assistants was discussed during the third convocation of the university held in October last year.
The arrangement is expected to continue until the Jharkhand Public Service Commission recommends appointments of regular teachers in state universities.
University sources added that the institution will continue to consider future postgraduate toppers and gold medalists for similar teaching assignments in upcoming academic sessions.