The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into force on 12 April following approval by the Governor, marking a significant milestone in the state’s higher education reform. The legislation, previously passed by the Odisha Assembly on 2 April, introduces a comprehensive overhaul of university governance, recruitment, and quality enhancement frameworks.
The new Act empowers universities to streamline their recruitment processes by forming internal expert committees for faculty appointments, thereby ending dependence on the Odisha Public Service Commission. This measure aims to accelerate hiring and facilitate discipline-specific selection.
Changes to Vice-Chancellor appointments are also part of the reform. A panel of three eminent educationists will now oversee the selection process. Additionally, the age limit for Vice-Chancellors has been raised from 67 to 70 years, enabling more experienced leadership to serve.
In a move to strengthen participatory governance, the Act reinstates the university Senate—an advisory body composed of 68 members representing faculty, staff, students, and academic experts. Each institution is required to convene at least two Senate meetings annually.
To widen access and improve infrastructure, the legislation includes measures to enhance the teacher-student ratio and extend distance learning facilities. These efforts aim to boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) across the state.
Further, financial transparency will be reinforced through newly established Finance and Construction Committees. All university expenditures will be subject to audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), with reports presented to the state assembly.
