Odisha Government Seeks Four Months to Fill Key Vacancies in Higher Education Council
The Odisha government has formally requested a four-month extension from the Orissa High Court to complete the process of filling crucial vacant positions within the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC). This appeal comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) that brought attention to the prolonged vacancies plaguing the statutory body, which have significantly hampered its effectiveness.
PIL Highlights Critical Staffing Shortages
The PIL was filed by advocate and human rights activist Prabir Kumar Das, who alleged that the council has been rendered largely ineffective due to the failure to fill several key posts. Specifically, the petition pointed out vacancies in the vice-chairman’s position and 13 out of the 15 member posts, leaving the body in a truncated state and adversely impacting its operations.
In an affidavit submitted on March 11, Dharanidhar Nanda, the additional secretary of the higher education department, informed the court that initial steps have already been taken to appoint a vice-chairperson and a member secretary. The state government has urged the court to grant four months to finalize the ongoing selection process and subsequently submit a compliance report.
Court Proceedings and Government Response
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman, took the affidavit on record during a hearing on Wednesday. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 25, with the petitioner given until that date to file a rejoinder to the government’s response.
According to the affidavit, a search committee was established on February 20, 2026, to identify suitable candidates for the roles of vice-chairperson and member secretary. Following this, an advertisement inviting applications from eligible candidates was published in print media on February 25, allowing a 21-day window for submissions.
Historical Context of Vacancies
The petition provided detailed background on the vacancies, noting that the previous vice-chairman, Ashok Kumar Das, who assumed office on January 2, 2018, completed his six-year tenure on January 1, 2024. Although his term was extended, he resigned on August 8, 2024, after which the state appointed the commissioner-cum-secretary of the department as the in-charge vice-chairman.
Furthermore, it highlighted that 13 of the council’s 15 members, originally appointed on February 20, 2019, saw their terms conclude on February 19, 2025. Since then, no new appointments have been made, exacerbating the council’s operational challenges.
Government Justification and Future Steps
The government acknowledged in the affidavit that the vacancies could not be filled within the stipulated six-month period due to administrative and procedural exigencies. However, it assured the court that the process is now being actively pursued in strict compliance with statutory provisions, emphasizing a commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
The OSHEC plays a pivotal advisory role in shaping higher education policies, reforms, and schemes within Odisha. It guides the state government on enhancing quality, inclusiveness, and student outcomes in the higher education sector, making its full functionality essential for educational advancement.
