BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Governor K. Hari Babu has given his assent to the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, marking a significant reform in the state’s higher education sector.
The Odisha University bill was passed on April 2 after extensive deliberation in the Odisha Assembly, and it got the Governor’s assent on April 12. It replaced the Odisha Universities Amendment Act 2020, which was stayed by the Supreme Court in 2022 on a petition by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described it as a ‘new dawn’ for higher education.
The Odisha University Act will bring in transformative changes aimed at strengthening the education system, addressing longstanding challenges and improving academic excellence.
“The act aims to bring about substantial reforms, ensuring autonomy for universities and enhancing the efficiency of academic functions,” media reports quoted Suraj saying.
No faculty recruitment by OPSC
According to the Odisha University Act, the recruitment of faculty in universities will not be conducted through the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). Rather, the universities will form a committee comprising educationists for faculty recruitment.
It will allow the recruitment process to be completed in a time-bound manner sans inordinate delays, the Minister said, adding that the provision would ensure that faculty appointments aligned with the requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, as well as subject-specific demands.
Appointment of VC
Regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors, the Odisha University Act mandates forming a three-member committee. Only distinguished personalities from the field of higher education will be part of this committee. Meanwhile, the age limit for VCs has been increased from 67 to 70 years.
Reintroduction of senate
The new Act ensured the reintroduction of the Senate in universities. The senate is the highest advisory body of a university, comprising educationists, faculty, students, and administrative staff, and it plays a key role in the development of the university and the higher education sector.
As per the Act, each university will have a senate which will meet at least twice a year. The senate will have 68 members, of which a minimum of 37 members will be from among teachers, educationists, and student representatives, ensuring inclusive representation.
The Minister said that the Act also ensures a robust foundation and a strengthened education system. “The Act will also contribute to the growth of a knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
Strengthened education system
Recruitment of faculty in universities will help maintain an optimal teacher-student ratio across undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
To provide access to quality higher education for all and to enhance the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in the state, distance education systems will be introduced in every university.
For strengthening financial management in universities, a Finance Committee will be constituted.
Proposals have been made to establish Building and Construction Committees for reviewing and monitoring infrastructure development projects.
All funds received or acquired by the universities will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and detailed financial reports will be presented before the Odisha Legislative Assembly.