Teacher shortage in Tripura Government Colleges sparks demand for one-time recruitment of 178 Guest Lecturers

Amid a growing crisis in State’s government degree colleges, 178 guest lecturers who have served for years across institutions have submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister, demanding a transparent, lawful one‑time recruitment process to appoint them as Assistant Professors. Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Higher Education Minister, Chief Secretary, and Secretary of the Higher Education Department.

The lecturers, many of whom have taught between five and fifteen years, argue that their long service has been integral to sustaining academic activities in both general and professional colleges. They have conducted classes, supervised examinations, evaluated answer scripts, guided students, and fulfilled institutional responsibilities. However, their services were abruptly discontinued on August 31, 2026, leaving them in uncertainty and worsening the faculty shortage in government colleges.

According to the memorandum, Tripura’s colleges currently rely on 507 regular Assistant Professors and 732 guest lecturers. Of these, the 178 petitioners claim to hold UGC‑mandated qualifications and substantial teaching experience. They clarified that they are not seeking automatic regularisation but instead propose a special selection mechanism that evaluates candidates on the basis of qualifications, experience, subject‑wise requirements, vacancies, and compliance with recruitment laws.

The lecturers pointed to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the introduction of the Four‑Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP), which have expanded academic responsibilities. New curricula now include research methodology, project‑based learning, specialised courses, and interdisciplinary studies, increasing the workload for faculty and making the shortage more acute.

The memorandum also referenced past administrative decisions, including a 2022 Higher Education Department memorandum that allowed qualified Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) to be absorbed as Assistant Professors against vacant posts. Sixteen PGTs were appointed under that arrangement. While acknowledging that the legal basis of earlier measures differs from the present situation, the lecturers urged the government to adopt a fresh, legally sound one‑time mechanism.

They proposed that eligibility be verified through postgraduate degrees, NET/SLET/SET qualifications, PhDs where applicable, subject‑specific expertise, and documented teaching records. They further suggested forming a high‑level committee comprising officials, university representatives, and subject experts to assess vacancies, workload, and candidate credentials before making recommendations.

The memorandum also cited the Supreme Court’s interim order dated September 8, 2026 (WP(C) No. 1102/2026), stressing that recruitment must strictly adhere to prescribed qualifications. The lecturers emphasised that their demand is not for relaxation of standards but for recognition of qualified individuals who have already contributed significantly to the state’s higher education system.

Until a long‑term solution is reached, they urged the government to consider interim teaching arrangements to prevent disruption in colleges, warning that continued shortages could affect teaching, evaluation, mentoring, and project‑based learning under the new curriculum.

The issue now places the spotlight on how the state government will address the teacher shortage, the future of 178 experienced guest lecturers, and the broader academic needs of Tripura’s higher education sector.