Odisha govt seeks list of non-performing lecturers for compulsory retirement, mixed reactions evoked

Odisha Higher Education Department has sought a list of non-performing college lecturers in the state for compulsory retirement, triggering reactions from various quarters.

The department has written letters to the registrars of all universities in the state, principals of government degree colleges, government teacher training institutes, all higher secondary schools, directing them to submit details of such lecturers.

While the move has drawn opposition from a section of college lecturers, educationists have welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a step towards improving the quality of higher education in the state. 

The Higher Education Department has issued a warning to the lecturers. The department has given strict instructions to review their performance and conduct. Colleges have been directed to identify those lecturers who are not working properly or whose performance is unsatisfactory.

As part of disciplinary action against such lecturers, the Higher Education Department has issued a strong directive for compulsory premature retirement or forced retirement. This is stated in a letter issued by the Higher Education Department on January 13. The letter mentions that a list of non-performing lecturers must be prepared and a report submitted by January 31.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Minister has said that the government has directed compulsory retirement for low-performing lecturers. Any college staff found to be involved in corruption, negligence in teaching, or irregularities will face action.

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"We are enforcing the guidelines of the department on the lecturers who are corrupt and have low performance," said Higher Education Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj. 

The Lecturers’ Association has termed such directives from the Higher Education Department as laughable. The association has alleged that while teachers and lecturers in the state are paid very low salaries, educational institutions lack basic infrastructure. It further claimed that those who have been entrusted by the government with the responsibility of assessing the competence of lecturers may, for personal interests, submit adverse reports against a lecturer.

"Defects of the lecturers should be clarified. If they are nonperforming, show cause notices should be issued to them. They should be given the opportunity to enhance their performance. Without doing all these things, asking the lecturers for compulsory retirement is not acceptable," said Biswaranjan Das, President of the Lecturers' Association.

On the other hand, educationists say that the strict directives of the Higher Education Department are welcome for ensuring quality education and improving academic standards. Many times, lecturers reduce their college duties and remain more engaged in private tuition. Therefore, the government should have taken such steps much earlier.

"This kind of initiative will help restrain indiscipline lecturers who are not performing their duties properly. However, effective implementation will be difficult in the absence of permanent principals in colleges. Therefore, regular principals should be appointed in colleges first to ensure proper monitoring and accountability," said educationist Raghunath Panda.