Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed universities and colleges across the state to identify non-performing teachers for compulsory premature retirement.
The Higher Education Department issued a letter on January 13, to registrars of state-run universities, principals of degree colleges, and heads of higher secondary schools. They have been asked to prepare detailed lists of faculty members, who are failing to meet their academic responsibilities. These reports must be submitted by January 31.
The directive specifically targets teachers who are not engaging in teaching, research or student mentoring, and whose contribution to the institutions has been deemed negligible. The government is considering compulsory retirement provisions for such non-performing staff, in line with service rules that allow retirement in the public interest. “All concerned authorities are requested to carefully examine the service records, performance appraisal reports, integrity status, and overall conduct of college teachers working under the administrative control of Higher Education Department and identify such cases which may warrant consideration for compulsory premature retirement, strictly in accordance with the provisions of the relevant service rules and government guidelines in force,” the letter said.
It also stressed that any proposal must be thoroughly reasoned, backed by supporting documentation, and properly approved at the relevant level, while strictly following the principles of natural justice and all applicable regulations.
The initiative is aimed at “maintaining academic standards and administrative efficiency” in higher education institutions, it added.
The order comes amid growing concerns about declining academic standards in several colleges, where students have complained of irregular classes and lack of guidance.
