- BJD Warns of Street Protests if Permanent Vice-Chancellors Are Not Appointed by the End of This Month
- Politicization Efforts Leading to Crisis in Vice-Chancellor Appointments
- 1400 Teaching Posts Vacant Along with 14 Permanent Vice-Chancellor Positions
- All 21 Teaching Posts, Including Vice-Chancellor, Vacant in Odia University
Bhubaneswar, 06/04/2026:The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today strongly criticized the BJP-led State Government over the continuing crisis of vacant Vice-Chancellor and teaching positions in various universities across the State.
At a press conference held at SankhaBhawan, Biju Yuva Janata Dal President Shri ChinmaySahu and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal President IpsitaSahu stated that the deteriorating condition of the Higher Education Department is a result of the inefficiency of the State Government.
Shri ChinmaySahu said that the Higher Education Department in the State has virtually become paralyzed. Out of 17 universities, 14 do not have permanent Vice-Chancellors. A majority of teaching posts are also lying vacant. Until permanent Vice-Chancellors are appointed, these vacant teaching positions cannot be filled. He further stated that both Biju Yuva Janata Dal and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal have staged protests and also met the Hon’ble Governor, urging immediate filling up of these posts. The Governor had assured that the process would be completed soon. However, even after 9 months since the advertisement was issued, the recruitment process has not been completed.
He further added that during the tenure of the Naveen Government, the responsibility of such appointments was entrusted to the State Public Service Commission, and the process used to be completed six months prior to the retirement of the outgoing Vice-Chancellors. However, that system has now been discontinued. Due to prolonged vacancies, universities are facing administrative paralysis. Odia University, which was established during the Naveen Government, currently has all 21 teaching posts, including the Vice-Chancellor, lying vacant. He alleged that after the BJP government came to power, there have been attempts to politicize university appointments, prioritizing loyalty over merit. He urged the State Government to maintain the autonomy of universities and complete the recruitment process with transparency.
IpsitaSahu stated that the education system is the backbone of societal development, and progress in education is essential for the State’s development. However, the State Government has failed to take necessary steps to strengthen the education system. Due to the politicized mindset of the BJP government and internal disagreements among party leaders over appointments, the recruitment process has been stalled. She warned that such injustice to the education system will not be tolerated. If the Vice-Chancellor posts are not filled by the last week of this month, Biju Yuva and Chhatra Janata Dal will launch a statewide protest.
