Fill up teachers' vacancies in central varsities: President

President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday expressed concern over the large number of vacancies in central universities and asked the human resource development ministry to fill them up.

Speaking at the convocation of the Central University of Rajasthan here, Mukherjee said: "Thirty-eight percent teaching positions in central universities are vacant and the ministry of human resource development should take expeditious steps to fill them up."

He said knowledge is an important channel for shaping the destiny of nations.

"Economic growth depends on a successful mobilisation of the knowledge economy, which in turn has its basis in a robust education system," he said.

He called upon central universities to develop a strong innovation culture.

"Innovation is the key to progress and prosperity. The process of innovation converts knowledge into social good and economic wealth. It encourages the engagement of young talent with the society to improve the quality of life," he added.

Mukherjee is on a two-day visit to Rajasthan.