Coimbatore: Faculty members of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, have alleged that the institution is facing a severe staff shortage and administrative stagnation due to the state government's inaction on appointments and promotions.

According to university sources, no assistant professor appointments have been made since 2016, leaving several teaching and research positions vacant. Of the sanctioned 1,400 faculty posts, only about 700 to 800 are currently filled across colleges and research stations under TNAU.

Professors claimed that the absence of new recruitments could soon lead to a situation where there will be no assistant professors in the university. “Those appointed as assistant professors last will be promoted to associate professors by August 2026. After that, no one will remain in that cadre unless new appointments are made,” a faculty member said.

In the absence of regular staff, the university is reportedly relying on temporary 'teaching assistants' to handle classes. Faculty members also alleged that the administration has introduced unauthorised conditions for promotions, affecting around 300 associate professors.

Though the university reportedly agreed to remove the disputed clause after protests, the related file has been pending with the state finance department, delaying the process further.

The faculty further expressed concern over the absence of a permanent vice-chancellor, stating that differences between the acting and former vice-chancellors have affected the university's research and funding activities.

Alleging that the Tamil Nadu government has been a “silent spectator” to the university's decline, the professors urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to intervene and resolve the long-standing issues facing the premier agricultural institution.