Odisha Higher Education Minister orders rapid staff recruitment and AI integration

Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has directed state universities to accelerate the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff to fill existing vacancies. During a high-level meeting with vice-chancellors and registrars, the Minister emphasized the need to expedite selection processes through subject-wise committees.

Key educational reforms discussed include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into university curricula and the implementation of capacity-building programs for both faculty and students. The state aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem on campuses and promote high-quality research through the establishment of Centres of Excellence.

Additional priorities include the rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, expanding the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), and providing internship opportunities for undergraduate students. The meeting also addressed the integration of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) with modern education and reviewed progress on the PM-USHA and Shaktishree schemes.