Vice-Chancellor vacancies and faculty shortage plague Odisha universities

Higher education in Odisha is facing an unusual and worrying situation, marked by a severe shortage of faculty and prolonged delays in the appointment of vice-chancellors. As the academic year nears its end, 13 out of the State’s 17 government universities continue to function without full-time vice-chancellors, raising serious concerns about governance and academic planning.

Also Read: Over 350 applications from professors for 13 Vice Chancellor positions in Odisha

Delay in VC appointments has also stalled regular faculty recruitment, forcing universities to rely heavily on guest and temporary lecturers. Despite assurances that new vice-chancellors would be appointed in the New Year, the selection process remains incomplete. The Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has stated that the process is nearing completion and that appointments will be made soon.

Although the Higher Education Amendment Bill was cleared in the Legislative Assembly last July and the VC selection process initiated thereafter, it has yet to conclude.

According to the Minister, an independent selection committee was formed as per the Odisha Governor’s instructions, and the final panel of VC names has already been sent to the Chancellor. The government claims it has not interfered in the process and expects an early resolution.

Meanwhile, faculty shortages continue to worsen. Assembly data from September shows that more than 1,400 sanctioned teaching positions are vacant across 17 government universities. Ravenshaw University tops the list, with 161 vacancies out of 267 sanctioned posts, followed by Utkal University, where 136 out of 244 posts remain unfilled. In addition, over 2,286 non-teaching posts are vacant in state universities.

Government degree colleges also struggle, with over 1,800 guest lecturers engaged to manage classes due to the lack of permanent faculty. Noted educationists warn that this dependence on temporary teachers is severely affecting classroom teaching as well as research-based education, leading to growing dissatisfaction among students.

The situation has become more urgent as the tenure of interim vice-chancellors at Fakir Mohan University ends on January 21, and at Utkal University in February.

Recent discussions between the Governor and the Higher Education Minister have raised hopes that the New Year may finally bring permanent vice-chancellors and some relief to Odisha’s higher education system.

“Acting on the directives of Odisha Governor, the State government has already constituted an impartial team for the selection of vice-chancellors. The selection process is underway, and I am hopeful that VCs will be selected soon,” the Higher Education Minister said.