TV
The process to appoint permanent vice-chancellors (VCs) to 13 public universities in Odisha has entered a critical phase, with over 350 senior academics submitting applications for the vacant posts.
The information was provided by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Tuesday. He confirmed that scrutiny of applications is currently underway, and the appointment process will be completed soon.
The unprecedented volume of applicants includes professors, who have applied to multiple universities, which has contributed to a slight delay in the selection process. However, the Minister assured that the process is being carried out diligently and without unnecessary hold-ups.
"We have received over 350 applications for VC posts. Each application is currently being scrutinised extensively. Some academics have applied for VC posts in multiple universities. We are ensuring that the best fit is selected. The process is going on in full force,” said the Higher Education Minister.
Universities Without VCs for Years
The recruitment drive marks a significant turnaround in Odisha’s higher education landscape, as several state-run universities have been functioning without regular VCs for more than three years.
“The Odisha government has fast-tracked the recruitment of VCs. Across several universities in Odisha, the terms of several vice-chancellors in nearing an end in some, whereas in a few others, their terms have been extended until a new VC has been appointed,” added Suryabanshi Suraj.
The affected institutions include Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, Gangadhar Meher University, Fakir Mohan University, and Rama Devi Women's University, among others.
In several cases, senior professors or VCs from neighbouring institutions have been holding additional charge, while a few universities were managed by Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) appointed under the provisions of the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2020.
Notably, the VC position at Maa Manikeswari University in Bhawanipatna has remained vacant following the demise of Sanjay Satpathy, and is currently being managed by the PG Council Chairperson.
Selection Process and Preferences
Applications were invited on June 3, and the last date for submission was July 15. Candidates were allowed to apply for more than one university and were required to indicate their order of preference.
Utkal University and Ravenshaw University emerged as the top choices among applicants, earlier reports had stated.
