Orissa HC seeks govt response on OSHEC vacancies, functioning concerns

Cuttack: Orissa high court on Tuesday sought a response from the state govt on a PIL alleging inaction in filling up vacant posts in the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC), including the vice-chairperson’s position and 13 of 15 members, which allegedly crippled its functioning.The PIL, filed by advocate Prabir Kumar Das, questioned the legality of appointing the commissioner-cum-secretary of higher education department as in-charge vice-chairperson of the council since Sept 6, 2024. Das contended that the arrangement is contrary to the Odisha State Higher Education Council Act, 2017, and termed it “illegal and arbitrary”.During the hearing, additional govt advocate Debashis Tripathy informed the court that steps are being taken to fill up the vacancies.

However, the petitioner argued that the continued in-charge arrangement for the vice-chairperson’s post violates the statutory provisions of the Act.A division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M S Raman issued notice to the state govt, directing it to file a reply within two weeks giving details of steps taken to fill up the vacancies. The court granted the petitioner one week thereafter to file a rejoinder, if necessary, and posted the matter for further hearing on March 10.

The petition stated that the previous vice-chairperson, Ashok Kumar Das, who joined OSHEC on Jan 2, 2018, completed his six-year tenure on Jan 1, 2024. Though his term was extended, he resigned on Aug 8, 2024. Subsequently, the state govt appointed the commissioner-cum-secretary as in-charge vice-chairperson.The petitioner further highlighted that 13 of the 15 council members, appointed on Feb 20, 2019, completed their tenure on Feb 19, 2025.

However, no steps have been taken so far to appoint new members, leaving the council “truncated” and adversely affecting its ability to function as a full-fledged body.Emphasising the importance of OSHEC, the petitioner pointed out that the council plays a critical advisory role in framing higher education policies, education reforms and schemes, and in advising the state govt on achieving excellence, inclusiveness and improved student outcomes.The petition stated that as per Section 4 of the Act, the OSHEC chairperson is the higher education minister, while the vice-chairperson must be an administrator with a proven academic record, holding or having held the rank of professor. The council is required to have 15 other members, including three vice-chancellors of state universities, two principals of autonomous colleges, two eminent scientists or social science experts, seven persons of eminence from fields such as arts, science and technology, culture, civil society or industry, along with one central govt nominee.

A member secretary is also part of OSHEC.