12 Odisha Universities Defy UGC Order on Student Grievance Redressal Body

Bhubaneswar: Twelve universities in Odisha, including prestigious institutions such as Utkal University, BPUT, VIMSAR, and XIM University, have been listed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for not appointing an ombudsperson as per its guidelines. A total of 419 universities nationwide have been categorized as defaulting, failing to comply with the UGC Regulations on the appointment of Ombudsperson(s) as of 2023.

“Ombudsperson” is an independent official or advocate appointed to investigate and address complaints or concerns raised by students or stakeholders within an educational institution. This role is crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair resolution of disputes within the academic community.

In response to this, the UGC has issued a public notice, urging the defaulting universities, including the ones in Odisha, to appoint Ombudsperson(s) within 30 days from the notification of the Regulations. The initial directive from the UGC had set a deadline of December 31, 2023, for the appointment of Ombudsperson(s) and the implementation of other provisions outlined in the UGC Regulations.

The list of Odisha universities yet to appoint Ombudsperson(s) includes:
1. Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Rourkela
2. International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Bhubaneswar
3. Khallikote University, Berhampur
4. Odisha University of Health Sciences, Bhubaneswar
5. Odisha University of Technology and Research, Bhubaneswar
6. Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar
7. Rajendra University, Balangir
8. Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Puri
9. Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar
10. Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar
11. Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Sambalpur
12. XIM University (Formerly Xavier University), Bhubaneswar