Bhubaneswar, April 6 (NationPress) In a major move, the Governor of Odisha and the Chancellor of public universities in the state, Hari Babu Kambhampati, announced on Monday the appointment of new Vice Chancellors for 14 universities throughout the state.

This decision was made under the authority granted by the proviso to sub-section (1) of Section 6 of the Odisha Universities Act, 1989, and the proviso to Section 8 of the Odia University Act, 2017 (specifically regarding Odia University).

The institutions now led by new Vice Chancellors include Utkal University, Fakir Mohan University, Ravenshaw University, Dharanidhar University, Gangadhar Meher University, Khallikote University, Madhusudan Law University, Maa Manikeshwari University, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Rama Devi Women's University, Rajendra University, Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University, Vikram Dev University, and Odia University.

According to a press release from Odisha Lok Bhawan, Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda will assume leadership, while Prof. Arka Kumar Das Mohapatra takes the role at Ravenshaw University and Prof. Santosh Kumar Tripathy at Fakir Mohan University.

Governor Kambhampati expressed his satisfaction with these appointments, stating, "As Chancellor, I am delighted to announce the Vice Chancellors of Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, and Fakir Mohan University. These esteemed academicians possess significant experience, a clear vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence." He added, "I am optimistic that, under their guidance, these esteemed institutions will achieve new heights in research, innovation, and academic excellence, while fostering the ambitions of our youth. I wish the new Vice Chancellors the best as they take on this crucial role in shaping the future of higher education in Odisha."

Following the announcement, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed his appreciation to Governor Kambhampati, deeming the decision profoundly significant. He congratulated the newly appointed Vice Chancellors, asserting that under their leadership, the public universities will attain new educational milestones.

The Minister stated, "This decision is critical for the higher education system in our state. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all newly appointed Vice Chancellors. I am confident that, with their knowledge, vision, and guidance, these institutions will achieve unprecedented milestones in education. I wish them a fruitful tenure and a bright future for our students."

The state government had faced significant criticism, with opposition parties targeting it for the unfilled Vice-Chancellor positions in 14 of the 17 public universities.

On the same day, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly criticized the BJP-led state government regarding the ongoing crisis concerning vacant Vice-Chancellor and faculty positions across various universities.

The BJD alleged that the Higher Education Department has effectively become paralyzed, noting that out of 17 universities, 14 currently lack permanent Vice Chancellors and a significant number of faculty positions remain unfilled.

The party has also warned that if the Vice-Chancellor positions are not filled by the end of this month, the Biju Yuva and Chhatra Janata Dal, the youth and student wings of BJD, would initiate a statewide protest.