The Odisha Assembly witnessed intense discussions over 12.5 hours, culminating in the passage of the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Bill 2024 early Thursday morning.
The ruling BJP hailed it as a transformative step to align with the New Education Policy, while the opposition BJD criticized the government’s urgency and questioned its legality due to a pending Supreme Court case.
The bill emphasizes enhancing autonomy, filling faculty vacancies, and restoring the University Senate system. Vice Chancellors will now be appointed by a three-member committee, serving a four-year term with a possible reappointment. The initiative also includes specific eligibility criteria to ensure integrity in university leadership.
While supporters lauded the move as a revolutionary change for Odisha’s education sector, opposition leaders voiced concerns, citing the need for more deliberation and clarity. The bill’s impact on higher education institutions and academic governance in Odisha remains to be seen.
