Odisha's Higher Education Revolution: New Act Promises Major Changes

Significant Changes in Odisha's Higher Education Landscape

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, has officially come into force following the approval of Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, heralding a transformative phase for higher education in the state.

This legislation was approved by the Odisha Assembly on April 2 and received the governor's endorsement on April 12.

Odisha's Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, expressed his appreciation to the governor, calling this a pivotal moment for the state's educational framework. He emphasized that the act is designed to implement significant reforms that will enhance the education system, tackle persistent issues, and promote academic excellence.

The act's primary goal is to grant universities greater autonomy and improve the efficiency of their academic operations, according to Suraj.

Notably, the act stipulates that faculty recruitment will no longer be managed by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). Instead, universities will establish committees composed of educational experts to oversee the hiring process.

This change is expected to expedite faculty appointments, ensuring they meet the specific needs of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as subject requirements.

In terms of vice-chancellor appointments, the act introduces a three-member committee responsible for selecting candidates. This committee will exclusively include distinguished professionals from the higher education sector, and the age limit for vice-chancellors has been raised from 67 to 70 years.

Additionally, the act reinstates the senate in universities, which serves as the highest advisory body, including educators, faculty, students, and administrative staff, playing a crucial role in the institution's development.

Each university will be required to convene its senate at least biannually, comprising 68 members, with at least 37 representatives from teachers, educationists, and students to ensure diverse and inclusive representation.

The minister highlighted that this act lays a solid foundation for a strengthened educational framework and is poised to foster a knowledge-driven economy in Odisha.