Odisha Governor Approves University Reform Bill
Odisha’s higher education landscape is set to undergo major structural changes with the enactment of the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, which officially came into force on Sunday following the assent of Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. The bill, passed by the Odisha Assembly on April 2 after detailed discussions, introduces a series of reforms to boost academic autonomy and efficiency in state-run universities.
One of the most notable changes is the removal of the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) from the faculty recruitment process. Instead, dedicated committees will now oversee both the appointment of Vice-Chancellors and the hiring of academic staff, giving institutions greater flexibility and control over administrative and academic decisions.
Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, hailed the reform as a "new dawn" for the state’s academic ecosystem. He emphasized that the updated act is designed to empower universities, resolve long-standing operational bottlenecks, and elevate the overall quality of higher education.
“This marks a decisive shift toward a more autonomous and dynamic education system that aligns with the evolving needs of students and educators,” Suraj added.
The move is expected to streamline university governance, speed up recruitment, and ensure merit-based, transparent appointments—steps that experts say are essential for improving academic outcomes and retaining top talent in the state’s institutions.