Odisha to expedite process to appoint VCs in 15 universities, fill 1,353 faculty posts

The Odisha government is set to expedite the appointment process of Vice-Chancellors in 15 state universities. Simultaneously, the long-standing vacancy of faculty positions in colleges is also expected to be addressed. With the removal of previous restrictions on appointments, the state has shown renewed enthusiasm in filling these key academic posts.

Under the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, the government has initiated steps to appoint Vice-Chancellors. An official notification regarding the same is likely to be released soon. As per the new rules, a three-member selection committee will be formed to choose Vice-Chancellors for the universities.

In addition, the process to fill around 1,353 vacant teaching posts across various universities will also begin, as informed by the State Higher Education Minister. Following a recent Supreme Court verdict that nullified the 2020 amendment, the 2024 amendment now aligns recruitment with UGC norms instead of OPSC.

Backdrop of Legal Challenges

The controversy began when the previous government, during the passage of the University Amendment Bill 2020, attempted to conduct recruitment through the Odisha Public Services Commission (OPSC), allegedly in defiance of University Grants Commission (UGC) standards. This action was met with opposition and legal challenges from the UGC and several professors, which effectively paused the recruitment process.

A stalemate ensued as the Higher Education Department struggled to fill numerous teaching positions. However, last month, the Supreme Court invalidated the 2020 University Amendment Law. The newly approved 2024 amendment requires that recruitment adhere to UGC guidelines, a development welcomed by both vice-chancellors and job applicants.

The Higher Education Minister stated that recruitment will proceed swiftly and consistently with the Supreme Court's recent clarifications, removing previous discrepancies and facilitating a transparent hiring process.