PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
In an important administrative decision, Nandan Singh Bisht of the Physics department was appointed the deputy controller of examinations during the 157th executive council meeting of Kumaun University. This aside, a number of decisions was taken at the meeting to enhance the efficiency of faculty.
KU sources said that in a first among universities functioning across the country, the EC of the university has approved a comprehensive screening system, the Annual Performance Appraisal Report, for faculty evaluation, with a 100-point scale. This system includes teaching and learning activities, research publications, research projects, PhD supervision, administrative responsibilities and participation in national and international conferences. Within teaching activities, weightage is given to course material development, student feedback and examination responsibilities, while research publications are prioritised in recognised databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. Book publications are also included in the evaluation according to prescribed standards.
It was also decided that teachers who consistently underperform after the age of 50 will be subject to compulsory retirement under the Government Order of July 6, 2017, requiring the approval of the executive council. Clear criteria have also been established regarding continuity of service. Teachers who score above 75 percent will receive a certificate of appreciation, while those scoring between 60 and 75 percent will be given two years to improve. Teachers who score below 60 percent will be given a three-year opportunity, during which their salary increases may be withheld. If improvement is not achieved within the stipulated period, compulsory retirement will be implemented under the relevant provisions. A provision has also been made for contract teachers that their contracts will not be renewed if they score below 60 percent.
Research projects, PhD supervision and administrative responsibilities have also been given appropriate weighting in the evaluation system to assess the overall academic performance of faculty.
Furthermore, it has been made mandatory for each faculty member to give at least one presentation at a national or international conference, with one presentation required to be outside the state.
Additionally, stricter criteria have been set for higher research degrees like D Sc. and DLitt. Candidates must have a PhD and a minimum of 12 years of experience and demonstrate outstanding scholarship through their research publications. The meeting also approved the promotion of seven teachers under the Career Advancement Scheme.
The vice-chancellor, Diwan Singh Rawat stated that these decisions taken as a whole, represent an important initiative toward strengthening academic excellence, research quality, transparency and accountability at the university. He stated that these reforms will not only enhance the efficiency of faculty but also strengthen the institution’s reputation nationally and internationally.
