Odisha University Amendment Act 2024 has officially come into force following Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati’s assent, marking a significant milestone in the state’s higher education reform. Passed by the Odisha Assembly on April 2, the Act introduces comprehensive changes aimed at enhancing university autonomy, streamlining faculty recruitment, and reinstating academic governance structures.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj welcomed the move as a “new dawn” for Odisha’s educational system, highlighting the Act’s function in solving age-old problems and promoting academic excellence.
Odisha University Amendment Act Bold Reforms Introduced:
1. Faculty Recruitment Autonomy
The Act takes the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) out of the faculty recruitment process. Universities will create subject-specific committees with educationists to take charge of timely and relevant faculty appointments. The move is intended to avoid delays and ensure that faculty choices are tailored to particular academic needs.
2. Vice-Chancellor Appointment Process
A new three-member committee, composed entirely of renowned educationists, will be entrusted with the task of appointing Vice-Chancellors. Further, the age limit for Vice-Chancellors has been raised from 67 to 70 years to include experienced academic leaders.
3. Reintroduction of University Senates
The Act restores the Senate to the position of the highest advisory organ in universities. Every Senate shall consist of 68 members, of whom at least 37 shall be from the academic and student communities. The Senate will meet every two years and will have a crucial role in guiding university policies and development plans.
4. Focus on Distance Education
To increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher learning, the Act requires all universities to implement distance education programs. This program intends to extend access to quality education to students located in distant and underserved communities.
5. Financial Oversight and Infrastructure Development
The Act provides for the establishment of Finance Committees in universities to provide for transparent financial management. All the funds of universities shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, and the reports shall be submitted to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Building and Construction Committees would also be set up to oversee building and construction activities for providing infrastructure facilities to enhance accountability and efficiency.
Odisha University Amendment Act 2024: Will these reforms effectively transform the state’s higher education system?
The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, represents a unified effort to modernize and empower the state’s higher education sector. Through increased autonomy and the institution of efficient governance mechanisms, the Act aims to foster an ecosystem of academic creativity and excellence. As these changes take effect, their impact on the quality and accessibility of higher education in Odisha will be closely monitored by stakeholders nationwide.
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