Bhubaneswar, Jan 16: The Odisha government initiated the process for compulsory retirement of lecturers working under the Higher Education Department, issuing strict directions to identify faculty members whose performance and conduct have been found unsatisfactory.

The Higher Education Department has laid down detailed guidelines for reviewing the academic performance and professional behaviour of lecturers across higher educational institutions in the state. The exercise is aimed at improving teaching standards and strengthening academic outcomes for students.

Colleges to submit reports by January 31
As part of the process, the department has directed universities and colleges to submit comprehensive performance reports by January 31. College authorities have been asked to evaluate both teaching quality and overall work practices of faculty members, with specific focus on those showing consistently poor performance over an extended period.

All higher educational institutions have been instructed to prepare and submit a list of lecturers whose performance is assessed as being below the prescribed standards. The department has already circulated a standard format for furnishing these details.

Assessment to decide further action
Following the receipt of reports, the Higher Education Department will carry out an assessment to determine whether the identified faculty members have shown improvement or continue to fall short of expectations. Lecturers who fail to demonstrate satisfactory performance despite the review process may be considered for premature retirement, officials said.

The assessment will also examine whether such faculty members are affecting effective teaching and learning within their respective institutions.

Instructions sent to universities, colleges
In this regard, the department has communicated with registrars of all universities and principals of colleges, directing them to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and timely submission of reports.

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Officials said the move forms part of the state government’s efforts to enhance academic accountability and maintain standards across higher educational institutions through a structured review mechanism.