Why is there a delay in appointing Vice-Chancellors in Odisha?
Synopsis
On February 10, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and its student wing raised serious concerns with the Governor regarding the appointment delays of Vice-Chancellors across 13 universities in Odisha. This memorandum highlights the alarming decline in higher education standards and calls for immediate action.
Key Takeaways
Immediate appointments of Vice-Chancellors are crucial for higher education.
The absence of leadership affects student welfare and academic governance.
Recent amendments have raised concerns about transparency in the selection process.
The BJD is prepared to protest for timely action.
Higher education integrity is vital for national development .
Bhubaneswar, Feb 10: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) along with its student wing, Biju Yuva Chhatra Janata Dal, presented a memorandum to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati addressing the unacceptable delays in appointing Vice-Chancellors for 13 universities, which they claim is leading to a significant decline in the quality of higher education in Odisha.
A delegation from the BJD met with the governor at his official residence, Lok Bhavan, and handed over the memorandum. The document expresses concerns that since the BJP took power in the state, the higher education sector has faced unprecedented turmoil and administrative inefficiency.
“It has been more than 18 months since full-time Vice-Chancellors were appointed in 13 universities, which is critically undermining academic governance, leadership, research initiatives, and the well-being of students. The ongoing lack of permanent Vice-Chancellors has plunged the state’s higher education system into a precarious situation,” the party asserted.
The BJD also challenged the amendments made to the University Amendment Act by the current BJP-led administration in 2024 and 2025, suggesting that these changes have severely compromised the transparent and merit-based selection process established by the University Amendment Act, 2020.
According to the revised rules, the state government provides three names to the Hon’ble Governor, from which one is chosen as the Chairperson of the Search Committee, without any clearly defined or transparent criteria for selection.
“We emphasize that while the 2020 amendment allowed for transparent appointments, the new changes cast serious doubts over the integrity of the selection process,” the party claimed.
The BJD further highlighted that despite government notifications promising the completion of the Vice-Chancellor appointment process by July 2025, no appointments have been made so far.
The party has also indicated plans to stage protests if the vacant Vice-Chancellor positions remain unfilled by the end of February 2026, while also pointing out the significant vacancies within the state’s higher education institutions.
Moreover, the party accused the ruling BJP of failing to take concrete actions to fulfill its election promise regarding the establishment of an Odisha Adivasi Swabhiman University aimed at promoting, preserving, and researching tribal culture, art, and languages.
The BJD demands the immediate appointment of full-time Vice-Chancellors in all 13 vacant universities, restoration of transparency, merit, and accountability in the appointment process, and protection of autonomy and academic integrity of Odisha’s higher education institutions.
Point of View
The ongoing delays in appointing Vice-Chancellors in Odisha highlight a significant governance issue within the state's education sector. The need for transparency and accountability is paramount, especially in an era where higher education is crucial for national development. The BJD's advocacy for immediate appointments reflects broader concerns about educational integrity that resonate across the country.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the BJD to submit a memorandum?
The BJD submitted a memorandum due to the significant delay in appointing Vice-Chancellors at 13 universities in Odisha, which they claim is deteriorating the quality of higher education.
How long has it been since the Vice-Chancellor positions were vacant?
It has been over 18 months since full-time Vice-Chancellors have been appointed in the 13 universities.
What amendments did the BJD challenge?
The BJD challenged the amendments to the University Amendment Act made by the current BJP-led government, arguing that they compromised the transparent and merit-based selection process.
What actions did the BJD threaten if the vacancies are not filled?
The BJD threatened to hold protests if the vacant Vice-Chancellor posts are not filled by the last week of February 2026.
What are the main demands of the BJD regarding higher education?
The BJD demands the immediate appointment of full-time Vice-Chancellors, restoration of transparency in the appointment process, and protection of academic integrity in Odisha's higher education institutions.
