In a move aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers in India’s premier educational institutes like the IITs, the Union Home Ministry has moved a Cabinet note proposing relaxation of the norms for hiring foreign faculty members.
Earlier, work permits were granted only to those earning a salary of $25,000 or more a year, which acted as a deterrent to roping in teachers from abroad.
The ministry is now ready to provide visas to those drawing a minimum of $15,000 per annum. The norm applies not just to teaching staff but to all posts. The earlier $25,000 salary rule had been enforced to protect jobs in the country.
Clearance Dilemma
The HRD Ministry welcomed the decision but its main concern is the lengthy period of clearance required for processing work permits. In a meeting with the MHA and MEA, it brought up the issue of delays in procurement of visas by hired candidates. It has requested the Home Ministry to bring down the clearance period from six to two months.
According to an official who told The Indian Express, “Currently, the candidate’s application is first given political clearance by the MEA and then a security clearance by the MHA. Why can’t we skip going to the MEA for candidates who come from countries with MFN (most favoured nation) status?”
(With inputs from The Indian Express and The Times of India)
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