The Sree Sivasankara University of Tiruvalla (SSUS) is facing scrutiny regarding its unusually low student-to-faculty ratio, raising concerns about efficient resource utilization and academic standards. A recent Kerala High Court directive, prompted by a petition, has led to a detailed investigation by a fact-finding committee appointed by the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University.
The committee’s report highlights a significant disparity: SSUS has approximately 160 faculty members for roughly 600 students, resulting in a ratio of 1:3.75. This contrasts sharply with the UGC norms which recommend a 1:15 ratio for universities. The committee found that many faculty members have minimal teaching responsibilities, with some handling only a few hours per week.
The investigation revealed that a large number of faculty appointments were made in a short period – between 2014 and 2016 – primarily in the Arts and Science departments. These appointments were allegedly made without adequate justification regarding student strength or academic needs. The committee noted a lack of transparency in the appointment process and questioned the criteria used for selection.
Further, the report points to a financial burden on the university due to the high salary expenditure for a disproportionately large faculty. The university is largely dependent on state government funding and student fees, and the excessive payroll is straining its financial resources.
The committee has recommended a review of the appointments made during the period in question and suggested exploring options like redeployment of faculty to other institutions or offering voluntary retirement schemes. It also emphasized the need for a revised recruitment policy aligned with UGC guidelines and a transparent appointment process. The University is currently responding to the findings and outlining corrective measures. The High Court is expected to review the committee’s report and the university’s response.
