Udaipur- In a recent development, the Fisheries College under Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) in Udaipur is facing a critical shortage of faculty, putting its academic programs and the future prospects of students at risk. Being the only fisheries college in Rajasthan, the institution stands out and holds importance in the field of limnology and ichthyology.
Across India, there are more than 30 fisheries colleges. Some states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra have three fisheries colleges each, supported by their governments."
Given the expansive aquatic resources boasting over 15,000 water bodies and covering a staggering 3.6 lakh hectares of water spread area in Rajasthan, there is a pressing demand for the advancement of scientific fisheries development.
Dr. L.L. Sharma, former Dean of the College of Fisheries, has penned a heartfelt letter to the Honourable Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, imploring urgent action to rectify the situation.
Dr. Sharma, in his conversation with The Mooknayak, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The immediate approval of 38 faculty posts, as per ICAR norms, is necessary to sustain and enhance the college's teaching and research endeavors."
He emphasized the impact of the faculty shortage on the continuity of essential academic programs, with students being "compelled to seek higher education outside the state."
Established in 2010 with the objective of providing education opportunities in fisheries science, the Fisheries College has been pivotal in nurturing students from economically weaker and tribal backgrounds.
Offering graduate and post-graduate programs approved by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the college has earned accreditation and recognition over the years.
However, despite its promising start, the college is currently grappling with only two regular faculty members, following the retirement of seven professors over the years. This shortage has led to the suspension of crucial academic programs, including PhD and MFSc courses, further exacerbating the situation.
Dr. Sharma, acting as the convener of Rajfisheries Group, emphasized the detrimental impact of the faculty shortage on the aspirations of students and the advancement of fisheries science in Rajasthan. He expressed dismay over the lack of visible action from the state government despite previous appeals.
He said despite repeated requests were made to the previous state government by students, university administration, and members of the College of Fisheries Udaipur Alumni Association (COFUAA) to address the issue of inadequate faculty in the college. Despite these efforts, no visible action has been taken thus far.
The current scenario is especially concerning given the ambitious "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana" initiated by the Central Government, aimed at leveraging fisheries resources for economic growth. The success of such initiatives heavily relies on the availability of qualified professionals, making the resolution of the faculty shortage imperative.
As the fate of Fisheries College hangs in the balance, Dr. Sharma's impassioned plea serves as a clarion call for immediate attention and action from the state authorities. Urgent intervention is needed to safeguard the future of fisheries education in Rajasthan and ensure the continued development of this vital sector
Also Read-
You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.