Odisha Cabinet Approves Proposal To Amend Universities Act To Ensure Transparency, Autonomy

Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening higher education, the state Cabinet on Saturday approved the proposal for amendment of the Odisha Universities Act, 1989, to improve academic excellence and administrative efficiency.

The proposal to amend the law was approved by the Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The amendment aims to address critical challenges faced by universities, while enhancing academic excellence, governance and administrative efficiency of the varsities, Chief Secretary told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

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, reorientation of Senate, formation of building and works committee, finance committee etc, he said.

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.

The Cabinet also approved a proposal for amendment in two sections of IPR 2015. This will enable eligible investors to furnish their claim for incentives in time for which they are entitled to, the Chief Secretary said.

The amendment will make the IPR in line with sectoral policies for smooth administration of incentives.