Sanskrit universities in the country are facing a shortage of teachers, Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor told the Lok Sabha Wednesday.
In a written reply, Tharoor said that due to "vast expansion" in higher education during the 11th Five Year Plan, institutions are facing a shortage of qualified faculty and "Sanskrit universities are no exception to this".
According to the minister, 333 posts out of 1,153 are vacant in seven state and deemed universities.
Tharoor said 170 posts out of the sanctioned 349 are vacant in K.S.D. Sanskrit University in Darbhanga, Bihar.
"This ministry has directed the UGC (University Grants Commission) and the concerned Sanskrit universities to take necessary steps for filling up the vacancies on an urgent basis," said Tharoor.