Tue Mar 11 01:59:00 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka’s Plan to Appoint Industry Experts as Professors Sparks Controversy

**Bengaluru, March 11, 2025** – The Karnataka government’s plan to appoint industry experts as “Professors of Practice” (PoPs) in 16 government engineering colleges has ignited a firestorm of protest from educationists and student organizations. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his budget speech, aims to enhance students’ practical skills and employability by leveraging industry experience.

However, critics argue the move violates state recruitment rules and the reservation policy, as it allows lateral entry without requiring a PhD or National Eligibility Test (NET) qualification, as permitted under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the University Grants Commission guidelines. They contend the appointments circumvent standard procedures and lack transparency regarding short-term versus permanent positions.

Ajay Kamath of the All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO) called the announcement “ridiculous,” highlighting the state government’s simultaneous formation of a commission to draft a new state education policy that opposes NEP 2020. Educationist Shripad Bhat echoed these concerns, emphasizing the disregard for roster policy and reservation in lateral entry appointments. He also pointed out the state’s prior opposition to similar UGC regulations allowing the appointment of non-academic personnel as Vice Chancellors.

A government engineering college principal suggested an alternative: providing existing faculty with industry training instead of appointing external PoPs. Conversely, former Tumkur University Vice Chancellor A.H. Rajasab supported the initiative, citing its prevalence in private universities and the potential benefits of imparting industry knowledge. However, he stressed the importance of impartial appointments.

The controversy underscores a significant debate surrounding the balance between practical industry experience and established academic qualifications in higher education. The Karnataka government’s decision will likely face continued scrutiny and opposition as the implementation progresses.

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