Mahabalipuram’s Government College of Architecture and Sculpture is facing a severe staff crunch, with students and social activists alleging that more than 90% of teaching posts—including the principal’s post—remain vacant. They say the institution, known for training in traditional temple architecture and sculpture, is being neglected by authorities.
The college was started in 1957 to preserve and teach heritage arts linked to the Pallava-era traditions of Mahabalipuram. It functions under the Tamil Nadu Department of Art and Culture and is often described as Asia’s only heritage arts college. The institute offers four-year degree programmes in heritage architecture (B.Tech), sculpture streams such as stone, stucco, metal and wood, and fine arts including traditional painting (BFA). Around 227 students are currently enrolled.
Despite steady interest in these courses, vacancies created by retirements have not been filled for years, according to the complaints. The sanctioned strength is 67 posts covering the principal, lecturers, instructors and other staff. After the principal retired in 2015, the college has reportedly been run by an in-charge head for 11 years, with only three lecturers and two instructors in service, leaving more than 50 posts vacant.
For the current academic year, the college has 60 intake seats across departments, while an application call has been issued to appoint 10 part-time teachers. Students say frequent reliance on part-time staff disrupts learning, and they also point to deteriorating buildings, inadequate drinking water and toilet facilities, and poor campus maintenance, urging the government to fill posts and improve infrastructure.
