Crisis in Higher Education: Tripura Guest Lecturers Highlight Severe Shortage, Demand Urgent Reforms

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 28, 2026

The Tripura Atithi Adhyapak Sangha, in collaboration with the TNSF Forum, raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of higher education in the state during a press conference held at Agartala Press Club today.

The conference highlighted the deplorable condition of qualified guest lecturers and government degree colleges in Tripura, pointing to an acute shortage of faculty, lack of job security, and policy negligence affecting both educators and students.

According to the Sangha, Tripura currently has 28 government degree colleges, 5 professional colleges, and 7 technical colleges, yet a large number of teaching posts remain vacant.

Around 507 (approx.) sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors exist

Only about 444–450 permanent faculty members are currently in position

Hundreds of posts remain vacant, severely impacting academic delivery

In many colleges, departments are operating with just 1–2 permanent teachers, forcing heavy dependence on guest lecturers.

The state’s higher education system is increasingly reliant on guest lecturers (including NET/SET/PhD qualified candidates).

Around 700+ guest lecturers are currently engaged across colleges

Many departments cannot function without them

Despite their qualifications, they are not given proper recognition or job security.

The Sangha strongly criticized the exploitative conditions faced by guest lecturers:

Paid only for lectures, with no salary during vacations or disruptions.

Honorarium remains as low as Rs.500 per lecture, and capped monthly

Payments are often delayed by several months.

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