Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 15 (ANI): After the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into effect in the state, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Tuesday said that it is the a 'fundamental right' of a university to have autonomy, adding that the state government is creating a more progressive environment by enabling universities to collaborate with foreign institutions and industries.

'It is the fundamental right of a university to have autonomy. The previous BJD government stripped that away, placing the entire system under government control. This sparked a movement across Odisha -- from students to intellectuals -- demanding academic freedom. Our mandate was clear: we would restore autonomy to the universities. Today, we are delivering on that promise by amending the Act. We will not allow government interference in teacher recruitment or Vice-Chancellor selection. We are creating a more progressive environment by enabling universities to collaborate with foreign institutions and industries,' Suraj told reporters.

He further said that they would be offering full government-funded UPSC coaching to 200 meritorious students.

'We are offering full government-funded UPSC coaching to 200 meritorious but underprivileged students -- including their stay, meals, and education... This is for those who dream of success but are held back by poverty,' he added.

Earlier, on April 12, the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, came into effect in the State following the assent of the Governor of Odisha, Dr Haribabu Kambhampati.

The Bill was passed on April 2 after extensive deliberation in the Odisha Assembly. With the Governor's approval on April 12, the Act is now in force throughout the state, marking a significant reform in Odisha's higher education system.

One of the key reforms in higher education implemented through the implementation of the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2024, is that universities will no longer depend on the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to hire teachers. Instead, each university will form its own committee of education experts to carry out the recruitment process. This will help complete the process within a fixed time and ensure that the selected teachers meet the needs of different subjects and courses.

The selection process for Vice-Chancellors has also been changed. A three-member committee made up of respected educationists will be formed to choose new Vice-Chancellors. The age limit for holding this post has been raised from 67 to 70 years, allowing more experienced academic leaders to take charge.

Another important step is the reintroduction of the Senate in universities. The Senate is the top advisory body that helps guide the university's development. It will have 68 members, including teachers, educationists, students, and staff. Each university must hold at least two Senate meetings every year, giving everyone a chance to participate in important decisions.

To build a strong and inclusive education system, the government is also focusing on improving the teacher-student ratio, introducing distance education in every university to reach more students, and increasing the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER).

For better financial management, universities will have Finance Committees and Building and Construction Committees to monitor funds and infrastructure projects. All university finances will be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and reports will be submitted to the Odisha Legislative Assembly. (ANI)