Odisha Governor Sets November Deadline for University Faculty Recruitment

Bhubaneswar: Vice-chancellors of state public universities have been asked to begin recruitment for vacant teaching posts by the first week of November and complete the process by the end of the month.

Governor and Chancellor of Universities Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati issued the direction while reviewing faculty recruitment at a meeting held at New Abhishek Hall on the Lok Bhavan premises on Saturday.

Describing the filling of vacant teaching posts as the next major challenge after the appointment of vice-chancellors, Kambhampati called for clear timelines to complete the recruitment process. He recalled that vice-chancellors of 14 universities were appointed on a single day after he assumed office as Governor.

“Merit should be the priority in the appointment of teaching faculty. Quality and merit cannot be compromised,” he said, stressing that universities must recruit the best available faculty.

The Governor also suggested that all eligible applicants be invited for interviews instead of undertaking extensive shortlisting and scrutiny at the initial stage. This, he said, would ensure that eligible candidates do not feel excluded and provide interview panels with a wider pool to select from.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj endorsed the suggestions and asked vice-chancellors to set timelines for completing the recruitment process. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department Aravind Agrawal presented the status of faculty recruitment in state public universities.

The Governor also urged universities to pursue green certification, referring to Odisha Lok Bhavan’s platinum certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Noting that most universities already have substantial green cover, he said they could work towards certification with additional efforts.

He further encouraged universities to adopt solar power on their campuses, either through their own initiatives or under the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) model.

Kambhampati also sought details from universities pursuing accreditation and proposed a common tenure for vice-chancellors across state public universities, pointing out that the tenure currently varies between three and four years.

The meeting was attended by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal, vice-chancellors and registrars of state public universities, senior officials of the department and Lok Bhavan.