File picture of teacher at a Plus Two classroom in BJB Junior College in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, July 31: The state government has started the process of filling up teaching vacancies in degree colleges across the state with the beginning of new academic session.

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) published an advertisement earlier this month seeking applications for the 281 vacant lecturer posts in various disciplines. At present, zoology has the maximum teaching vacancies at 50 followed by commerce, 35, physics, 31, chemistry, 30, and botany, 25.

“Science subjects have the most number of vacant posts apparently because, these days, most youths are more inclined towards technical education. They are not interested in teaching,” said a government source.

A case in point is the BJB Autonomous College, the premier educational institute of the state, which does not have regular faculty for the seven sanctioned posts in physics department. Four teachers — two on deputation and two other guest lecturers — are at present managing the department. The college had conducted interviews in the first week of July for recruiting guest faculty and has shortlisted a few candidates.

Analysing the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm on the part of youths to pursue teaching as a career, BJB principal Niranjan Dhal, said: “The government last recruited lecturers some 16 or 17 years ago. So many graduates and postgraduates lost interest in taking up teaching. However, the situation is gradually improving.”

Officials of the higher education department said National Eligibility Test was a compulsory requirement for appointment. However, those having done their PhD under a special provision of the University Grants Commission would be exempt from that minimum eligibility condition.

The pay scale will be in the range of Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100 apart from an academic grade pay of Rs 6,000 and other allowances.

Besides, the OPSC is expected to start the appointment process for 272 junior lecturer posts at the Plus Two level from August 27. “Candidates must have a master’s degree from a recognised university with at least 55 per cent marks, and must be aged between 21 and 32 years, the upper age limit relaxable up to five years,” said officials.

The written examination will be held at Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Berhampur, Cuttack and Sambalpur depending on the number of candidates from the respective zones. The written exam would be followed by a viva voce.