Telangana Government Increases Retirement Age for University Faculty

Hyderabad: In a major policy decision aimed at addressing faculty shortages in state universities, the Telangana government has increased the retirement age of regular teaching faculty from 60 to 65 years. The move, which fulfills a long-pending demand from educators, was officially announced through an order issued by Education Department Secretary Dr. Yogita Rana on January 28. However, the decision became public only on Thursday.

Addressing Faculty Shortages

The decision to extend the superannuation age comes in response to concerns over a growing faculty shortage in state universities. Retirements over the years have led to a depletion of experienced teaching staff, affecting the quality of education. Faculty members and educational bodies have long advocated for raising the retirement age to ensure continuity in academic excellence.

A comprehensive report from the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) played a key role in the decision. The report emphasized the urgent need for more faculty members to cope with the increasing demand for higher education in the state. It also highlighted the adverse impact of faculty shortages on student learning and university rankings.

Details of the Government Order

According to the official order, the revised retirement age applies specifically to regular teachers working in state universities who are drawing salaries under the University Grants Commission (UGC) pay scale. The change will only benefit teaching faculty under the administrative control of the Higher Education Department in Telangana.

This policy shift is expected to bring multiple benefits, including:

• Retention of Experienced Faculty: Senior faculty members will now be able to contribute for an extended period, ensuring that their expertise and guidance continue to benefit students.
• Improved Academic Standards: With more experienced professors remaining in service, universities can maintain a high standard of education.
• Stabilization of Teaching Staff: The extension will provide much-needed relief to institutions struggling with faculty shortages, offering a more stable teaching workforce.

A Step Towards Strengthening Higher Education

The decision aligns Telangana’s retirement policy for university faculty with that of the central government and several other states that have already implemented a similar extension. With the demand for quality higher education on the rise, this move is expected to strengthen the state’s academic infrastructure and provide students with better learning opportunities.

While this measure is seen as a positive step, experts emphasize the need for additional recruitment drives to further bolster faculty strength. The government is likely to focus on long-term hiring solutions to complement this decision.

This development marks a significant step in Telangana’s higher education reforms, ensuring that experienced faculty members remain in service while bridging the gap in university teaching staff.