Odisha Enforces Teacher Cadre Reservation Act 2026
Bhubaneswar, April 13: The Odisha government has officially enforced the Odisha State Universities (Reservation in Teacher Cadre) Act, 2026, following approval by Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati.
The landmark legislation ensures representation of Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Socially & Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) in teaching positions across all state universities.
Under the new framework, each university will be treated as a single unit for reservation purposes, abolishing department‑wise quotas.
This guarantees direct representation in appointments for Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors.
Higher Education Minister Surjyabanshi Suraj hailed the Act as a transformative step toward inclusivity, emphasising that it will accelerate recruitment to long‑vacant teaching posts.
The government has already appointed Vice‑Chancellors in 14 universities to strengthen academic leadership.
Alongside the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, 2024, the new law aims to deliver quality, practical, and research‑oriented higher education while expanding opportunities for marginalised communities.
Officials confirmed that recruitment drives will begin soon to fill vacant posts and reinforce inclusivity in higher education.