New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Friday asked the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) to fill the vacant posts in a time-bound manner.

He highlighted the fact that there are over 44 percent vacancies in faculty positions in the old NITs, and over 63 percent in the new ones.

He also called upon the ministry of human resource development to take measures for providing flexibility to NITs in hiring outstanding candidates from industry, foreign universities and national laboratories as visiting and adjunct faculty.

"Improving international ratings should be an important area of attention," said Mukherjee who was addressing the NIT directors at a two-day conference at Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

Mukherjee further said the NITs should complete the construction of basic infrastructure, including e-classrooms within a specified time frame.

"Each NIT should within the next six months establish an industry cell in collaboration with local industry and industry associations. This cell must establish contact with at least 10 industrial units to develop collaborative research projects, internships, faculty exchange and workshops, etc." he said.

The president called upon the directors to make innovation a way of life and develop at least one department as a model of excellence.

"Innovation clubs should be set up in all NITs on a priority basis," said Mukherjee adding that during his visits to NITs, he would like to meet and interact with inspired teachers and grassroot innovators.