Panjab University Taps Industry Experts for New Roles

Panjab University (PU) has initiated the appointment of Professors of Practice across various departments to tackle a severe faculty deficit, operating with only 50% of its regular staff. This strategic move, guided by UGC norms, allows for up to 10% of a department's sanctioned faculty strength to be filled by experienced practitioners, thereby enhancing teaching with industry insights.

The university has already secured multiple appointments. Chemical engineering and nanotechnology departments have welcomed four such professors, while the English and cultural studies department has appointed renowned poet-lyricist Irshad Kamil and poet-editor Sudeep Sen. Kamil, an alumnus, is expected to bolster creative writing and cultural studies programs.

These Professors of Practice are engaged on a contractual basis, paid per lecture or day, and are not considered regular faculty. Their roles involve delivering lectures, short modules, and interactive sessions. PU officials emphasized that these appointments are a supplementary measure to bridge gaps and inject practical expertise, not a replacement for permanent recruitment.