The Faculty of Fine Arts of the Maharaja Sayajirao University , known for producing outstanding artists in India , is currently without heads of department and permanent teaching staff.

Out of the five departments of the faculty only two have permanent heads. Incidentally, after Professor Deepak Kannal stepped down as dean two months ago, the faculty is headed by an in-charge dean.

Dean in-charge, Shailendra Kushwaha, who is the head of Museology department, is also burdened with the charge of Sculpture and Graphics.

When contacted, he said, “There are vacancies but not many are ready to take up the job of head of the department in some faculties, while in other departments there are no permanent teachers. This is a serious issue. The matter is taken up with Vice-Chancellor Professor Ramesh Goyal.”

The university officials on a condition of anonymity said for last many years many departments do not have heads and vacancies are left unfilled.

Prof Goyal told Newsline that he is not a member of the standing committee which appoints the heads of the departments and teaching staff.

He said, “The entire power is vested with the syndicate members and they should take a stand to solve this issue.”

The Painting department has no permanent HoD for last five years after Rini Dhumal took voluntary retirement. Akkitham Vasudevan, the officiating HoD, said, “A vacancy for professor’s post in the Painting department was announced nearly two months ago. Many of us have applied for that.”

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