Bhubaneswar: The state government has allowed re-engagement of guest faculties in all public universities in Odisha for smooth academic activities.

The Higher Education Department of the state government today sent a communique in this regard to the Registrars of all public universities in Odisha.

As per the communique, the varsities have been allowed to re-engage the existing guest faculties as well as engage new such faculties against vacant teaching posts for smooth academic activities.

However, the guest faculties can be appointed for a period of six months or till the recruitment of the regular faculties, said the Higher Education Department.

The department has asked the universities to furnish the detailed info regarding the engagement of the guest faculties through the designated portal.

Besides, the department has asked the universities to provide teaching assignments to the candidates selected under the Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship scheme. Such candidates are required to undertake teaching assignments for five hours per week for UG/PG students, said the department.

Earlier, the public universities had sought the required approval from the Higher Education Department for continuation of the existing guest faculties and engagement of new such faculties against vacant teaching posts to ensure that academic activities are not hampered due to the shortage of teaching staff.

The state government, meanwhile, revealed that the process for recruitment of regular faculty in all public universities has been initiated by the Higher Education Department and it is likely to be completed within a few days.