According to sources on Sunday, there is a severe faculty shortage in Odisha's universities, with over 60% of teaching positions still unfilled.

This issue has raised concerns in the State Legislative Assembly, highlighting the challenge of delivering quality education without sufficient staff. Due to the ongoing legal disputes, recruitment has been at a standstill for nearly the past five years.

Fact-check of university vacancies

Currently, of the 2,027 sanctioned teaching positions across 17 universities in the State, only 674 are filled, leaving a significant gap of 1,353 vacancies. Vacancies in non-teaching roles have also surged, with just 798 of the sanctioned 2,879 posts filled.

This shortfall extends beyond the academic staff to administrative roles, as nine out of 17 universities lack a permanent Vice-Chancellor.

In the past, recruitment efforts were centralised through Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), but legal challenges over non-compliance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines have resulted in a halted process now awaiting the Supreme Court's decision.

Government degree colleges under the Higher Education department are similarly affected, with 436 teaching positions and 731 non-teaching roles vacant out of a sanctioned total of 2,407 and 1,711, respectively.

Academic experts caution that these staffing shortages may adversely affect research activities and impede the delivery of quality education.

This situation could impact the national and institutional standings of Odisha's universities. Newly established institutions in less developed districts are particularly vulnerable, posing risks to the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and overall student performance.