After Pune varsity finds no takers for 498 posts, it comes up with new names for these positions in bid to attract applicants

In a classic case of serving old wine in a new bottle for the University of Pune (UoP), the state government has approved a proposal for filling up 498 posts at the varsity under a new nomenclature and slightly revised salaries.

According to the government resolution (GR) issued on February 18 to UoP, the state government had received a letter from the varsity regarding the vacant posts.

The varsity officials had stated that since the posts were lying vacant for years, it was necessary to fill them up, as not many were ready to take them up owing to the outdated nomenclature, designations and pay scale.

Taking into consideration the lack of teachers as well as piling administrative work at UoP owing to manpower shortage, the state government had revised the nomenclature and offered fancy designation alternatives to the same jobs.

For instance, the letter states a post of deputy finance officer lying vacant under grade A should be upgraded to deputy finance and accounts officer while senior clerk posts vacant under Grade C is upgraded to senior assistant.

The GR has also stated that the number of sanctioned posts remains the same at 1235 posts and this was just a change in nomenclature. Vice-chancellor R K Shevgaonkar was not aware of this GR. When contacted for comment, he said that he would be able to comment only after two days.

A senior official from the registrar's office confirmed that the varsity had initially proposed changes in designation on 11 July 2009.

u00a0Subsequently, many follow-ups were conducted and a letter was sent on February 8, 2011 requesting the change in nomenclature and posts upgradation.

"So far it was difficult to find people to fill these posts but now the revised pay scale and designation means more people would be interested.

This time it would be easier to start hiring right candidates," he said.