Odisha University Act 2024 Enacts Faculty Autonomy, Senate Revival, and Vice-Chancellor Reforms

Universities will no longer rely on the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) for hiring teachers. Instead, each institution will establish its own committee of education experts to streamline recruitment within a fixed timeframe.

 

The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, officially came into effect on April 12, 2025, following the assent of Odisha Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati, marking a historic overhaul of the state’s higher education system. Passed on April 2 after over 12 hours of intense debate in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the Act replaces the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020, which was stayed by the Supreme Court in 2022 due to concerns raised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, hailed the Act as a “new dawn” for higher education, emphasizing its potential to address longstanding challenges, enhance academic excellence, and foster university autonomy. “It is the fundamental right of a university to have autonomy. The previous BJD government stripped that away, placing the system under excessive control. Today, we are delivering on our promise to restore academic freedom,” Suraj declared, noting that the reforms align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Reforms to Strengthen Odisha’s Higher Education

The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024 introduces sweeping changes aimed at improving governance, academic quality, and accessibility across the state’s public universities. Below are the major highlights:

Autonomous Faculty Recruitment

Universities will no longer rely on the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) for hiring teachers. Instead, each institution will establish its own committee of education experts to streamline recruitment within a fixed timeframe. This ensures faculty appointments align with specific subject and course requirements, addressing delays and enhancing academic relevance.

Revamped Vice-Chancellor Selection

The selection process for Vice-Chancellors has been restructured to prioritize expertise. A three-member committee of distinguished educationists will oversee appointments, replacing government nominees with a syndicate nominee, a UGC appointee, and a Chancellor’s nominee. The age limit for Vice-Chancellors has been raised from 67 to 70 years, allowing seasoned academic leaders to contribute longer. Additionally, outgoing Vice-Chancellors can now reapply, reversing a 2020 restriction.

Reintroduction of the Senate

The Act revives the university Senate, a key advisory body absent since the 2020 amendments. Comprising 68 members—including at least 37 teachers, educationists, students, and staff—the Senate will meet at least twice annually to guide university development and ensure inclusive decision-making. This move reverses the 2020 decision to disband Senates, which critics argued had weakened university governance.

Improved Teacher-Student Ratio and Accessibility

To build an inclusive education system, the Act prioritizes an optimal teacher-student ratio across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It mandates the introduction of distance education in all eligible universities to boost the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), making higher education accessible to underserved regions. This aligns with the state’s goal of enhancing educational equity.

Robust Financial and Infrastructure Oversight

For transparent financial management, universities will establish Finance Committees and Building and Construction Committees to monitor funds and infrastructure projects. All university finances will undergo mandatory audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, with detailed reports submitted to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, ensuring accountability.

Global and Industry Collaboration

The Act encourages universities to forge partnerships with foreign institutions and industries, fostering a progressive academic environment. This move aims to enhance research, innovation, and employability, positioning Odisha’s universities as hubs for a knowledge-driven economy.

Additional Initiatives and Context

Beyond structural reforms, the Act supports broader educational goals. Minister Suraj announced a government-funded UPSC coaching program for 200 meritorious but underprivileged students, covering their stay, meals, and education. “This is for those who dream of success but are held back by poverty,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to social mobility.

The Act also addresses past criticisms of the 2020 amendments, which had sparked protests from students and intellectuals over reduced university autonomy. The 2020 Act centralized control, deviated from UGC guidelines, and limited Vice-Chancellor reappointments, prompting legal challenges. The Supreme Court’s stay on the 2020 Act in 2022, following a UGC petition, paved the way for the 2024 reforms.

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