Argus News - Odisha Enforces Landmark University Reservation Act

Bhubaneswar, Apr 13: The Odisha government has officially enforced the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2026, following the assent of Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati.

This landmark legislation ensures inclusive representation of Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in the teaching cadre of state universities.

The Act, passed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on March 31 after extensive deliberations, introduces a transformative change in higher education recruitment.

Under the new framework, each university will be treated as a single unit for implementing reservation in teaching posts such as Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor.

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This replaces the earlier department-based reservation system, thereby guaranteeing equitable representation across all academic positions.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving the legislation, describing it as a “historic step towards strengthening equity and diversity in Odisha’s academic institutions.”

He emphasized that the Act will ensure fair opportunities for marginalized communities and accelerate the process of filling long-vacant teaching positions in state universities.

The Minister also highlighted that 14 universities in Odisha have recently appointed Vice-Chancellors, ending prolonged vacancies. With leadership in place, the government aims to enhance quality, practical, and research-oriented education across campuses.

“The combined implementation of the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024 and the new Reservation Act will expedite recruitment, ensuring that universities are staffed with qualified faculty while maintaining inclusivity,” noted Suraj.

The legislation is widely seen as a progressive step in reshaping Odisha’s higher education landscape. By embedding diversity into the teaching cadre, the government hopes to foster a more representative academic environment that reflects the state’s social fabric.