A recent investigation has unearthed a major scandal at Anna University, revealing significant discrepancies in faculty appointments. The probe, carried out by the anti-corruption group Arappor Iyakkam, discovered over 200 individuals occupying multiple positions across various colleges.
These so-called "phantom professors" are listed on college payrolls to maintain affiliation status despite a staggering 2,500 faculty vacancies in engineering colleges affiliated with the university.
The investigation highlights a complex network of deceit where individuals are falsely listed as faculty members, inflating the number of employed staff to meet the requirements set by regulatory bodies. This manipulation ensures that colleges retain affiliation status with Anna University despite failing to meet the staffing needs. The practice undermines the quality of education and raises serious questions about the governance and oversight mechanisms within higher education institutions.
As per reports of Indian Express, Anna University has initiated an internal investigation. A high-level committee comprising officials from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Tamil Nadu Higher Education Department has been formed to scrutinize the irregularities. The committee is tasked with identifying those responsible and proposing measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The fallout from the scandal is expected to be extensive. The former director of the Centre for Affiliation of Institutions (CAI) at Anna University, members of the Inspection Committee, college administrators, and the implicated professors are all under scrutiny. Consequences for those found guilty could range from dismissals and suspensions to legal action.
Anna University has announced a recruitment drive to fill 88 Assistant Professor positions as part of the corrective measures. The recruitment process will run from March 5 to April 1, 2024. This drive aims to address some of the faculty shortages and restore academic integrity to the institution. However, recruiting 88 faculty members is only a small step towards filling the 2,500 vacancies reported.
The scandal at Anna University casts a shadow on the broader higher education system in Tamil Nadu and possibly across India. It raises critical concerns about the quality of education and the accountability of institutions responsible for shaping the future workforce. The issue of "phantom professors" is a matter of administrative oversight and a significant breach of educational ethical standards.
Anna University, a prestigious institution known for its engineering programs, now faces the daunting task of regaining public trust and eradicating such malpractices. The formation of the high-level committee and the new recruitment drive are steps in the right direction. Still, sustained efforts and stringent oversight will prevent future discrepancies.
As the internal investigation unfolds, stakeholders, including students, parents, and educational authorities, will closely watch the developments, hoping for a resolution that reaffirms the integrity and credibility of higher education in the region.