Malda, July 1: The introduction of 12 post-graduate courses in Gour Banga University, which were supposed to be taught from this academic year, has hit a road block with the state higher education department putting on hold the recruitment of teachers and staff members in colleges and universities.

Sources at the varsity said its executive council had decided to introduce post-graduate courses in physics, chemistry, botany, geology, philosophy, sociology, geography, political science, computer science, economics and commerce from the session that would begin in June.

In February, the varsity had issued advertisements asking for applications for 61 posts of teachers and 20 posts of technicians for the new courses. But on June 15, the governor directed all 14 universities except Presidency not to take any major decision (including recruitment of teachers and staff) until further notice as an advisory committee to find ways to “achieve academic excellence” could recommend changes.

With the recruitment process on hold, about 4,000 students who are set to graduate next month will not be able to take up master’s degree in their own university.

“We had taken the decision to start these courses at our executive council meeting last year and as soon as the higher education department lifts its embargo we will begin recruiting teachers and technicians who have already sent in their applications,” said university vice-chancellor Gopa Datta.

Sources said the BA results would be published by the second week of July. Registrar Apurba Chakrabarty said the university offers seven subjects at the master’s level.

“With the additional courses we will be offering 17 subjects at the post-graduate level. We are not being able to admit students because of the shortage of teachers,” he said.

There are 35 colleges in Malda and South Dinajpur under the Gour Banga University and around 35,000 students study in them.