Odisha marked a historic milestone today with the implementation of the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, a landmark legislation poised to reshape the state’s higher education landscape.
The act, which received the assent of Governor Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati, follows the passage of the Odisha University (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on April 2, 2024, after rigorous debates and discussions.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the occasion as a “new dawn” for Odisha’s academic institutions, emphasizing that the act addresses longstanding challenges while paving the way for a revolutionary transformation in the state’s education system. “This legislation is a bold step toward ensuring quality education, institutional autonomy, and global competitiveness for our universities,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Governor for his swift approval.
The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, introduces a series of forward-thinking reforms designed to strengthen universities and enhance access to higher education. One of its cornerstone provisions is the assurance of greater autonomy for universities, allowing them to operate with reduced governmental interference in critical decisions, such as the appointment of vice-chancellors and faculty members. The act streamlines and accelerates the faculty recruitment process, tailoring it to the specific needs of each institution to ensure timely and efficient staffing.
Another significant feature is the reintroduction of the Senate in university governance, a move aimed at fostering inclusive decision-making and reinforcing academic integrity. To boost enrollment and make education more accessible, the act mandates the establishment of distance education programs across all state universities, a step expected to significantly increase Odisha’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER).
The legislation also prioritizes infrastructure and financial management. It proposes the creation of dedicated finance committees to ensure prudent fiscal oversight and the formation of building and construction committees to upgrade campus facilities. These measures aim to create conducive environments for learning and innovation, aligning Odisha’s universities with global standards.
A key focus of the act is to promote world-class research and academic excellence. By encouraging cutting-edge research and fostering collaborations, the legislation seeks to position Odisha’s universities as hubs of innovation and intellectual growth. “This act will not only strengthen our education system but also contribute to building a knowledge-based economy,” Minister Suraj noted, highlighting its potential to drive economic progress through skilled human capital.
The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, is expected to have far-reaching impacts, from improving administrative efficiency to elevating the quality of education and research. Stakeholders, including academics, students, and policymakers, have welcomed the reforms, viewing them as a catalyst for transforming Odisha into a leading education hub in India.
As the state embarks on this ambitious journey, the act stands as a testament to Odisha’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and ensuring equitable access to higher education for all its citizens.
