Only 45 applications for MA in Sanskrit

While 33 students enrolled for the course last year,the number was 36 in 2009.

“For many years,we have seen half of the seats in our department remaining vacant. This has been happening as most of the students have this perception that this course would not give them job security and the scope is limited to teaching,” Chairperson of the Department Shankarji Jha told the Newsline .

“These days only those languages are popular which are patronised by the Administration. Since Sanskrit does not find usage in any of the government or private sector organisations,it has been losing momentum,” Jha said.

The department has also been facing a shortage of faculty members since past five years. At present,only three professors teach the students,including the chairperson.

Meanwhile,other departments including Department of Hindi and School of Panjabi Studies have witnessed relatively better response. Of a total of 68 seats each,Hindi and Panjabi Studies received 172 and 250 applications,respectively.