CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has expressed concern over large-scale vacancies in teaching posts at Odia University, observing that the issue directly affects students’ right to quality education.
Odia University, a first of its kind as a Language University was established in 2017 as a non-affiliating unitary public university dedicated to the study and promotion of Odia language and culture. The university located at Satyabadi in Puri district is functioning under the state higher education department.
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Prabir Kumar Das, who appeared in person, a bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman on Wednesday noted that all the 21 sanctioned posts of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors have “remained vacant since long.” The petition also pointed out that although the matter was raised in the state assembly, “the reality is a far cry.”
The petitioner argued that the prolonged vacancies are depriving students of their fundamental right to education and expressed concern that poor academic standards could hamper national development.
Taking note, the bench said, “We appreciate the agony and anguish shown by the petitioner in this regard, as no reluctance can be shown in deficiency of the quality education to be imparted to the future generation of the country.” Stressing the importance of academic standards, the court added, “In a competitive world, quality education is inevitable and it is a Constitutional duty of the State to ensure seamless imparting of quality education to its citizenry.”
Appearing for the state, additional government advocate Saswat Das submitted that a search committee has already been constituted to appoint a vice-chancellor, a post lying vacant for long. He informed the court that the panel’s recommendation is being sent to the chancellor and a decision is expected shortly.
Das further stated that the vice-chancellor has the authority to fill up teaching vacancies under the relevant statutes and assured the court that the process would begin immediately after the appointment.
The state sought time to place these details on record. Granting the request, the court directed the government to file an affidavit within two weeks.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 22, 2026.
According to the petition no faculty recruitment for the 21 sanctioned posts has been conducted since the establishment of the University in 2017. Consequently, 3 posts of Professors, 6 posts of Associate Professors and 12 posts of Assistant Professors are vacant. As a result the University is compelled to manage with retired professors and guest faculty.
