Status of Guest Faculty in Odisha

Odisha, like many Indian states, is facing a serious shortage of regular (permanent) teaching faculty across colleges, and universities. To bridge gaps in staff strength, the state has been heavily reliant on guest faculty, including re-engagement of retired teachers. While guest faculty provide short-term relief, there are concerns about sustainability, quality, equity, and the rights of both students and educators. Guest faculty members play a crucial role in the higher education system of Odisha. They are appointed by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha, to fill the teaching gaps in colleges and universities where there are vacancies of regular teachers. Despite their vital contribution to the academic system, the status of guest faculty in Odisha remains marginal, reflecting issues of job insecurity, limited recognition, and heavy workload without adequate compensation.

Current Scenario

In 17 state public universities in Odisha, out of 1,911 sanctioned permanent posts, 1,187 are vacant. (ommcomnews.com). In percentage terms, that’s about 65% of teaching positions unfilled (The Times of India). Several newer universities (Odia University at Satyabadi, Khallikote Unitary University, Dharanidhar University, Vikram Dev University) have no regular faculty members at professor/associate professor/assistant professor levels, and are being run entirely with guest faculty. To cover for large numbers of vacant regular faculty posts, guest lecturers have been engaged: 963 guest faculty in 17 state universities to cover for professors, associate professors, assistant professor posts that are vacant (The Times of India+2OdishaTv+2). Some universities have advertised for many guest lecturers; for example, one university advertised 130 guest faculty positions, with some hired (The New Indian Express+2The Times of India+2).  As mentioned, some newer or upgraded universities do not have regular faculty in any of the cadre levels and are completely reliant on guest faculty (and in some cases, deputation/transfer) (The New Indian Express+1). Also, 18 new government degree colleges in educationally backward districts are opening with only guest faculty and are functioning from school buildings (EdexLive).

Appointment and Nature of Work of Guest Faculty

Guest faculty are engaged on a temporary and contractual basis, often renewed every academic session. Their appointment is usually made through walk-in interviews conducted at the college or university level under the supervision of the Department of Higher Education. These teachers are responsible for taking regular classes, completing the syllabus, conducting examinations, and contributing to the academic growth of students, just like regular faculty members. However, their service conditions are not at par with regular or even contractual lecturers.

Timetable and Working Hours

Guest faculty members are expected to follow the college timetable similar to regular teachers. They take core papers, elective papers, and practical classes across semesters. Despite their temporary status, they are required to maintain attendance records, evaluate assignments, and participate in departmental meetings. In some cases, they handle more classes than the regular staff due to staff shortages, which increases their workload considerably.

Remuneration and Bill System

The remuneration for guest faculty is generally released on an hourly or per-class basis. They submit their teaching hours at the end of each month for bill processing. Unfortunately, there are frequent delays in bill approval and payment, leading to financial instability. The amount paid often does not match the quantum of work they perform, leaving them economically deprived despite their qualifications and dedication.

Involvement in Extra-Curricular Activities

Guest faculty are not limited to classroom teaching. They actively participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities such as seminars, cultural events, NSS/NCC programs, and student counselling. However, these contributions often go unrecognized in official records. Unlike regular teachers, they do not receive incentives, certificates, or additional benefits for their participation in such activities.

Deprivation and Lack of Security

One of the major challenges faced by guest faculty in Odisha is job insecurity. Their services are purely temporary, and renewal depends on the availability of funds or administrative decisions. They are deprived of provident fund benefits, medical facilities, and other welfare schemes available to permanent staff. During academic breaks or lockdowns, many guest faculty members are left without pay, pushing them into financial uncertainty.

Teaching Core Papers and Academic Responsibility

Guest faculty are often assigned core papers, which are essential subjects in the curriculum. Despite their crucial academic responsibility, they are treated as temporary workers. This reflects a contradiction — while they shoulder the main teaching load, their institutional recognition remains minimal. Their intellectual and pedagogical contributions are central to sustaining higher education, yet they remain on the margins of the system.

Pressure from Regular Teachers

Another concern is the pressure and discrimination guest faculty sometimes face from regular teachers. They are often asked to handle extra classes, substitute lectures, or manage departmental responsibilities without any additional remuneration. In some colleges, regular teachers delegate their duties to guest faculty while maintaining administrative control. This creates a hierarchical environment where guest faculty feel undervalued and powerless.

Conclusion

Guest faculty play an essential role in Odisha’s education system currently they are holding the fort in many places where regular faculty are absent. The guest faculty system in Odisha highlights a serious contradiction within the state’s higher education framework the reliance on temporary teachers to sustain academic functioning without providing them with adequate pay, job security, or respect. These educators play an indispensable role in shaping the intellectual future of students, yet they remain deprived and marginalized within institutional structures. There is an urgent need for policy reform by the Department of Higher Education to ensure fair remuneration, job security, and equal treatment for guest faculty. Recognizing their contribution formally and improving their working conditions would not only enhance their morale but also strengthen the overall quality of higher education in Odisha.

Author: Dr. Subal Tandi. He is an Assistant Professor in the department of Sociology at Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi, Odisha.