Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill was passed in the state Assembly early on Thursday after a marathon night-long debate, following which the House was adjourned sine die.
After an intense debate for over 12 hours between the ruling party and opposition, the bill was passed in the House at around 4.30 am.
Shortly after the bill was passed, the budget session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die, three days ahead of schedule. The Assembly proceedings had begun at 10:30 am on Wednesday and continued non-stop until 7:05 am on Thursday.
After passage of the bill, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said Odisha is now poised to enter a new era in the education sector. He also extended his gratitude to all members of the Assembly for their participation in the discussion.
The ruling BJP had put forward 18 amendments to the bill, out of which 12 faced opposition from BJD with its MLA Arun Sahoo voicing concerns over the bill’s validity.
As per information, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi was present in the Assembly throughout the marathon discussion.
Senior MLAs Ranendra Pratap Swain, Arun Sahoo, Ganeswar Behera and Dhruba Sahoo spoke against the bill. However, they were countered by Suryabanshi Suraj.
Key features of the bill include revival of University Senate system in the state
Preparations will begin for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor at least six months prior to the conclusion of the outgoing incumbent’s term.
A three-member Appointment Committee will oversee this process. One member will be designated by the Chancellor, another by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairperson, and the third will be appointed by the university syndicate.
The committee will shortlist three candidates, ensuring that none faces any pending cases with the Anti-Corruption Department. The Governor will appoint the Vice Chancellor from the shortlisted candidates, with the nominee serving a four-year term or until reaching the age of 70, whichever comes first. Reappointment is permissible but limited to a single additional term.
The Chancellor retains the option to consult the state government as necessary.
In instances where the Vice Chancellor requires leave, responsibilities will temporarily transfer to a senior professor.
Should the Vice Chancellor commit administrative errors, the Chancellor is empowered to demand an explanatory report detailing why no corrective measures were initially implemented.
Before any disciplinary directive is issued, the Chancellor will engage in discussions with the state government. Investigations will be conducted as a preliminary step before any suspension actions.
