Odisha Assembly Passes University Autonomy Bill 2024, Aims to Fill Faculty Vacancies

The Odisha Assembly approved the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024, providing greater autonomy to universities for recruitment and filling faculty vacancies. The bill replaces the 2020 law and aims to implement the new education policy effectively. State Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi emphasized the importance of the bill in filling crucial university vacancies. However, the Biju Janata Dal opposed the bill, citing ongoing legal challenges.

The 2024 bill restores the authority of the academic senate in university decisions, empowering university syndicates and streamlining administrative processes. Notably, it excludes the Odisha Public Service Commission from faculty recruitment responsibilities, assigning the task to a committee of academicians. The legislation also allows outgoing Vice-Chancellors to reapply for their positions under certain conditions.

The Odisha government's efforts to address faculty vacancies have been hindered by a lack of appointments for several years, resulting in significant gaps in key institutions like Utkal University and Ravenshaw University. The state education department has employed guest teachers to manage the crisis, especially at the assistant professor level.

In conclusion, the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024 represents a significant step towards enhancing academic autonomy and addressing critical faculty shortages in state universities.