In a significant legislative development, the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly at around 4:29 AM on Thursday after a marathon 12.5-hour-long debate between the ruling BJP and Opposition parties. The bill, aimed at reforming higher education governance and academic functioning in Odisha, is expected to usher in a new era of academic autonomy, improved faculty recruitment, and enhanced access to higher education in the state.
🏛️ A Historic Assembly Session
The session, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, witnessed intense arguments and deliberations. While the CM and Deputy CM Pravati Parida were present throughout the discussion, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik was notably absent.
- BJD MLAs Arun Sahoo, Ranendra Pratap Swain, Ganeswar Behera, and Dhruba Sahoo strongly opposed the bill.
- Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj led the defence, emphasizing the bill’s alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP) and its focus on university autonomy and vacancy filling.
Following the bill’s passage, Minister Suraj stated:
“This will help restore autonomy in universities and ensure timely appointments, thereby enhancing the quality of higher education in Odisha.”
📜 Key Provisions of the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2024
1. Vice-Chancellor Appointment Process Reformed
- The bill revives the University Senate system and streamlines the VC appointment process.
- A three-member Appointment Committee will oversee VC recruitment:
- One nominee from the Chancellor
- One from the UGC Chairperson
- One from the University Syndicate
- The VC will be appointed by the Governor from a shortlist of three candidates.
- Eligibility Conditions:
- No pending Anti-Corruption cases
- Age limit raised to 70 years (from 67)
- One possible reappointment for a second term
- In the VC’s absence, a senior professor will act as in-charge.
2. Checks and Accountability for VCs
- If administrative lapses occur, the Chancellor may demand an explanation.
- Prior to any disciplinary action, the Chancellor must consult the state government.
- A formal investigation must precede suspension.
3. Faculty Recruitment Overhauled
- OPSC will no longer handle faculty recruitment.
- A new Academic Committee will be formed comprising:
- The VC or nominee
- Chancellor’s nominee
- Three subject experts (nominated by VC)
- Concerned HoD
- One academic representative from SC/ST/OBC/Women/Minority/PwD communities
4. Expansion of Distance Education
- Universities currently not offering distance education will be mandated to start such programs.
- Aim: To increase Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education.
🎓 Objectives and Expected Impact
The Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024 is intended to:
- Enhance academic autonomy and governance standards
- Accelerate recruitment processes for teaching positions
- Improve access to education through distance learning initiatives
- Ensure diversity and inclusion in faculty selection
- Align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
🔁 Political Reactions
Opposition’s View:
- BJD MLA Arun Sahoo argued that the bill was passed hastily and could face legal scrutiny: “The BJP government has brought the bill in a fickle manner. The 2020 University Act is still pending with the Supreme Court due to a UGC petition. The validity of this new bill may also be challenged.”
Ruling Party’s Stand:
- BJP MLA Irasis Acharya said: “The bill will bring a revolutionary change in university education and strengthen democracy in the Assembly.”
📌 Conclusion
The Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024 promises to bring transformative changes in the state’s higher education sector by focusing on merit-based appointments, institutional autonomy, and inclusive education. While the bill has received criticism from the Opposition, its supporters believe it will significantly boost the academic environment in Odisha’s universities.
Once formally implemented, the bill will become the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024.