Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to address discrepancies in the Odisha University (Amendment) Act 2020 to align with legal and regulatory standards. In a letter to Majhi, Pradhan emphasized the need for necessary amendments to the Act.

Pradhan highlighted that these amendments are crucial for restoring educators' confidence, safeguarding the autonomy of educational institutions, and ensuring that Odisha maintains the highest standards of education.

The Union Education Minister pointed out that the previous BJD government in Odisha had amended the University of Odisha (Amendment) Act, 1989 for political reasons, resulting in significant changes to the original Act. These changes created conflicts with the provisions of the UGC Act and rules laid down by the Commission, undermining the interests and autonomy of educational institutions.

Specifically, Pradhan noted that provisions in the University of Odisha (Amendment) Act, 1989 regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors and the recruitment of educators are inconsistent with UGC regulations and ignore judicial directives from the Supreme Court.

Urging the Chief Minister to intervene, Pradhan added, “The amendment grants excessive government control over educational institutions, which would undermine the freedom of teachers.”

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