Bhubaneswar, Jan 31: In a strong message to college lecturers, the Odisha government on Saturday warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against faculty members found skipping classes, engaging in gossip, or remaining idle during duty hours. The directive aims to enforce accountability and improve the quality of teaching in higher education institutions across the state.

Sources said the Higher Education Department has instructed all government and government-aided colleges to closely monitor the performance and conduct of teaching staff. Lecturers neglecting their academic responsibilities—by avoiding scheduled classes, loitering on campus, or indulging in non-academic activities during working hours—will face punitive action.

Officials emphasized that such behavior seriously affects academic standards and student learning outcomes. The department clarified that disciplinary measures may include suspension of salary, initiation of departmental proceedings, compulsory retirement, or other penalties as per existing service rules.

As part of a wider reform initiative, universities and colleges have been directed to identify underperforming faculty members and submit detailed reports to the department. Faculty members who consistently fail to discharge their teaching duties or show poor performance over time may be considered for premature compulsory retirement.

The move is seen as part of the state government’s broader effort to strengthen discipline, enhance teaching quality, and restore credibility in the higher education system, ensuring that students receive proper academic guidance and instruction.

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