Only 1 in 4 reserved seats filled for professor roles in Central Universities

Sanjeev Kumar Singari, MP (Member of Parliament) from the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh; representing the YSRCP (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party) had asked a question in the parliament pertaining to the caste wise breakdown of recruitment for professorship positions in central universities. Union Minister for state of education, Subhas Sarkar responded to this by providing data relevant to the question.

Whereas for the position of an assistant professor, it was noted that 55% of the reserved seats were filled, this trend only went downward for each increase in grade of position. Only 30% of reserved positions were filled in the case of associate professors. For the position of a full time professor, the percentage was down to 24.23. 

It is interesting to note that the trend is marginally better for recruitment in the SC (Scheduled Caste) category in comparison to the OBC (Other Backward Caste) category. 47.6% of the vacancies were filled for the position of a professor were filed in the SC category whereas only 16.5% of the vacancies were filled for the OBC position.

It is however important to note that many educational departments in India are not large enough to provide complete representation and the marked presence of the creamy layer might provide a slightly partial picture of the reality.