Odisha Cabinet greenlights changes to Universities Act to streamline recruitment

Bhubaneswar, Nov 23: In a significant move to enhance higher education, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Saturday approved a proposal to amend the Odisha Universities Act, 1989. The proposed changes aim to improve both academic standards and administrative efficiency within state universities.

The amendment seeks to address key challenges facing universities while promoting better governance and autonomy. According to the Chief Secretary, the changes will give universities more independence in decision-making, while ensuring they remain accountable. The reforms will also involve academic professionals more directly in important decisions and reorganize university structures such as the Senate and the formation of committees on buildings, works, and finances.

A major focus of the amendment is to overhaul the recruitment process, tackling delays and issues stemming from ongoing court cases that have stalled faculty appointments. The new procedures are designed to be more transparent, efficient, and time-bound, ensuring that vacancies are filled quickly and effectively.