Bhubaneswar, July 9: Odisha has been grappling with a shortage of regular principals in several colleges. As of now, almost 80% of colleges in the state are operating without regular principals.
These colleges are being managed by in-charge principals, who are typically senior most lecturers, said an official.
Even prestigious institutions like Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar (BJB) Autonomous College in Bhubaneswar, Rajadhani College (Bhubaneswar), and SCS Autonomous College (Puri) are facing this issue, with senior lecturers stepping in as acting principals.
The absence of permanent leadership affects administrative efficiency and can impact the overall quality of education.
Beyond government colleges, even aided colleges face challenges. Approximately 94 out of 102 government colleges lack regular principals.
In total, around 650 degree colleges in Odisha are currently running without permanent principals.
The situation calls for urgent attention to ensure effective leadership, academic excellence, and student welfare.
While the immediate measures aim to bridge gaps, it’s crucial for the state government to prioritize long-term solutions, including timely appointments and infrastructure development.
