The Chinese department has virtually shut down after its lone faculty member retired, while the German department is running with just one permanent teacher for over 100 students. Even as demand for foreign language courses continues to grow at Panjab University (PU), a severe shortage of teachers has pushed several departments into crisis. Similar shortages persist in French, Russian and Persian, affecting admissions, classes and plans to expand academic programmes.
He added that knowledge of Chinese creates opportunities in education, international trade and business, making it important for the university to continue the programme. Teaching is largely being managed with the help of guest faculty. “When I joined Panjab University in 1999, only six or seven students enrolled. We gradually increased the strength to over 60. The French department, according to academic in-charge Alok Pathak, has over 200 students with an intake capacity of nearly 300, but only one regular faculty member against six sanctioned posts.
Dakshi said the faculty shortage has also begun affecting student retention, with eight to 10 students applying for fee refunds after deciding not to continue due to the present situation. Rajni Bala, who completed her certificate course in Chinese this year, said she was expecting to begin the diploma course, but admissions have not started due to the absence of faculty.
Prof Damodar Panda said student interest in learning Mandarin has grown significantly over the years. There is no other university in Chandigarh offering Mandarin, so this department should not be allowed to shut down,” he said. Robindeep, who has completed the Chinese certificate course, said financial constraints prevented him from shifting to Delhi or joining a private institute.
More than 90 candidates applied for the certificate course this year against 66 available seats, while students who completed the certificate and diploma courses last session are now unable to move to the next level due to the absence of a faculty member, according to students. Students have submitted repeated representations to the vice-chancellor and the dean of university instruction (DUI), requesting the university to make temporary teaching arrangements until a regular or guest faculty member is appointed.
