The Odisha government is gearing up to amend the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020, a move that has been met with cautious optimism amid a long-standing teacher recruitment freeze in the state’s public universities. The amendment, which is currently in its draft phase, aims to address concerns raised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Supreme Court regarding the Act’s potential impact on university autonomy and academic freedom.
The 2020 amendment had significantly altered the governance and staffing structure of Odisha’s universities, notably by repealing the Senate system and shifting recruitment power to the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). This move, however, faced strong opposition from academics and legal challenges, leading to a stay order from the Supreme Court in 2022.
The proposed amendment comes at a critical juncture as state public universities grapple with a severe shortage of teachers. Over 57% of teaching positions remain vacant, including those in four universities in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This situation has significantly hampered academic activities, including teaching, research, and other academic pursuits.
The decision to amend the Act follows a recent meeting between the Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, and UGC officials in New Delhi. The Minister assured the state assembly that the draft amendment has been carefully crafted to comply with UGC regulations and facilitate the long-awaited teacher recruitment process.
The Odisha government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by state universities through this amendment is crucial. Ensuring a smooth and transparent recruitment process while upholding the principles of academic freedom and university autonomy is paramount for the future of higher education in Odisha. The success of the amendment will depend on its ability to address the concerns raised by academics, the UGC, and the judiciary while fostering a conducive environment for recruitment and academic excellence.
