Bhubaneswar, Dec 5: Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Friday informed that 1,430 faculty positions are lying vacant in Odisha’s state universities.

In his written reply, the Minister informed the state assembly that the vacancies include 261 professor posts, 459 associate professor posts, and 710 assistant professor posts.

Speaking on the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, the minister noted that the selection process is active for 14 universities. He added that interviews for these posts have already been held.

Suraj also informed the House that 566 lecturer posts are unfilled in government colleges.

The OPSC has issued advertisements to recruit 385 lecturers, and the process is moving ahead. The department has also asked the Commission to fill another 304 posts.

He further stated that 1,689 lecturer positions remain vacant in private colleges across the state. About 300 lecturers are now serving on deputation under the School and Mass Education Department.