Cabinet Approves Proposal for Amendment of Odisha Universities Act, 1989

Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet has approved the proposal of amendment of the Odisha Universities Act, 1989.

The amendment aims to address critical challenges faced by universities, while enhancing the overall academic excellence, governance and administrative efficiency of the universities. Key aspects of the amendment focus on improving the recruitment process, empowering universities with more autonomy allowing them to make decisions independently while maintaining accountability and involving academic professionals in crucial decision-making processes, reintroduction of Senate, formation of building and works committee, finance committee etc.

By amending the Act, the state government aims to streamline the recruitment process and eliminate the stagnation caused in the recruitment of the teachers by court cases. The changes are designed to create a more transparent and time-bound procedure for appointments, ensuring that vacancies are filled promptly.

This amendment has also incorporated the NEP’s transformative aspects—such as the emphasis on multidisciplinary education, skill development, and enhanced access through distance learning, skill development for employability etc.