New Delhi: The Supreme Court has lifted the stay on the appointment of Vice Chancellors and faculty members in universities across Odisha. The decision came during a hearing related to the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2020. This ruling now permits appointments to proceed in accordance with the new Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024.
Odisha’s Higher Education Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. He stated that the verdict confirms the previous government’s Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2020, was flawed and violated University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. The minister said that lifting the stay will allow the appointment process for Vice Chancellors and faculty members to resume under the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024. He assured that the government will take swift action to fill the vacant positions.
The Higher Education Minister added that the judgment eliminates the stagnation in higher education recruitment caused by what he called the “historical error” of the previous administration. He emphasized the current government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of education in the state. The new amendment law, he noted, aligns with UGC guidelines and aims to strengthen Odisha’s higher education system.
The Minister highlighted that the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, was enacted after an overnight discussion in the State Assembly, followed by the Governor’s approval. He believes this marks “a new dawn” for higher education in Odisha. The government’s priorities now include ensuring university autonomy, preserving academic culture, and accelerating the recruitment process. The Minister believes that the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, will be a milestone in strengthening the state’s higher education ecosystem.