Pradhan announced the introduction of Professors of Practice (PoP) to bring industry experts into higher academic institutions such as Indian Institutes of Technology (data map)
Pradhan announces introduction of Professor of Practice (PoP) to bring industry experts into higher academic institutions like IITs
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that the central government has appointed over 40,000 people to fill vacancies in the education sector in the last 4-5 years.
Pradhan said higher academic institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology have introduced the Professor of Practice (PoP) system to expand the scope of bringing in experienced talent from the industry.
PoPs appointed by universities are “need-based” and are not permanent positions.
Pradhan said the PoP will bring expertise and new concepts to education.
“PoP is one of the major recommendations under the new education policy. It is now agreed that in addition to degrees, we must also focus on abilities.
Our effort is to shift education towards employment and entrepreneurship. Therefore, relationships need to be established between industry and academia, he added.
The minister was replying to a supplementary request by CPI(M) member John Brittas, who asked the government whether 10 per cent academic posts have been reserved for PoP and whether there will be reduction in colleges and universities for SC&ST and OBC reservation.
Britas said that currently nearly 26% of academic positions and 46% of other positions are vacant. Will such a PoP system affect the employment opportunities of young people?
“In the last 4-5 years, we have appointed more than 40,000 people to fill vacant posts,” Pradhan said.
It also won't take up any existing positions at universities or colleges, he said.
NCP MP Fauzia Khan wanted to know how many women professors have been appointed as PoPs.
Pradhan said it depends on the needs of the particular institution, qualifications and capabilities of the individual.
“The government will not interfere, there should be a certain number of people of any gender,” he said.
(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)
