The Odisha government on Thursday issued a strong warning to Universities over alleged illegal appointments. Through a letter to all Vice-Chancellors, the Higher Education Secretary cautioned against recruitments without prior approval from the Higher Education Department.

According to the communication, concerns have been raised over unauthorised appointments and proposals seeking the regularisation of such employees. The department noted that several appointments were reportedly made without obtaining necessary permission from the government.

The government stated that such actions are creating an additional financial burden on both the state and the universities. It made it clear that ‘backdoor entries’ will not be tolerated and proposals for regularising such appointments will not be accepted.

The letter further stated that any financial burden arising from these appointments will have to be borne by the concerned universities themselves. The government also warned that strict action will be taken against officials found responsible for carrying out illegal recruitments.

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“It has come to the notice of the Government that, in certain Universities, appointments/engagements have been made against both sanctioned and non- sanctioned posts without obtaining prior approval of the Higher Education Department. Such irregular engagements have subsequently given rise to claims for regularisation, leading to avoidable legal complications and litigation. These developments have not only created administrative challenges but have also imposed a significant financial burden on the State Government as well as the concerned Universities. The matter has been examined with reference to Section 22 of the Orissa Universities Act, 1989, which governs the creation of posts in universities. The said provision clearly stipulates that posts must be duly sanctioned by the competent authority. i.e., the State Government, and that appointments/engagements thereto must be made strictly in accordance with the prescribed statutory procedures. Any appointment or engagement made without sanction of posts and without adherence to such procedures is dehors the provisions of the Act and, therefore, lacks legal validity. It is further hereby made clear that responsibility for such irregular appointments/engagements shall be fixed, and the concerned officials/authorities who have authorised or effected such actions shall be held accountable. Appropriate disciplinary action shall be initiated against such erring officials in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act and applicable service rules,” read the letter issued by the Higher Education Department of Government of Odisha.

“It is further observed that since 2011, the State Government has conducted several open recruitments drives for regular non-teaching positions. However, certain incumbents, instead of securing appointment through such competitive processes, are attempting to seek regularisation through means that would effectively amount to “back-door entry.” Such a course of action would undermine the integrity of the public employment framework and violate the principles of faimess, transparency, and equality enshrined in public service recruitment. Granting regularisation in such cases would unfairly disadvantage meritorious candidates who have pursued public employment through lawful and competitive selection processes,” the letter further read.

“In view of the above, it is hereby clarified that any claim for regularisation of services of personnel engaged against sanctioned or non-sanctioned posts in universities without prior approval of the Higher Education Department shall not be considered. Any financial liability arising out of such engagements shall be borne exclusively by the concerned University from its own resources. All Universities are, therefore, advised to strictly adhere to the above and ensure that no appointment or engagement is made against any post, whether sanctioned or non-sanctioned, without obtaining prior approval of the Government, the competent authority, so as to avoid future legal and financial implications,” it added.