SC Clears Way for VC, Faculty Appointments in Odisha Universities

Bhubaneswar: In a significant development for higher education in Odisha, the Supreme Court has lifted the interim stay on the appointment of Vice Chancellors and faculty members in the state’s universities. The stay had been imposed in connection with a case challenging the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2020.

The Supreme Court’s decision clears the path for appointments to resume under the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, the Higher Education Department announced on Friday.

Welcoming the verdict, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the SC ruling confirms that the 2020 Amendment Act introduced by the previous government had violated University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. “This judgment has removed a major hurdle in the recruitment process and allows us to proceed with appointments as per UGC-aligned norms under the 2024 Act,” he said.

The Minister further assured that the state government will expedite the process of filling vacant posts in public universities. He criticized the earlier legislation for causing prolonged stagnation in university appointments and reiterated the current government’s commitment to the holistic development of higher education.

The Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, was introduced to ensure alignment with UGC guidelines and improve transparency and efficiency in academic governance across the state’s higher education institutions.