Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all public universities in the state to refrain from making any appointments or engagements without prior approval from the Higher Education Department.

In a letter addressed to Vice Chancellors, the department noted certain universities have reportedly made appointments without obtaining the required sanction.

It warned any appointments or engagements whether against sanctioned or non-sanctioned posts made without prior approval will result in the concerned institution bearing the financial liability from its own resources.

The department emphasised prior approval is mandatory for all such engagements and clarified  services regularised without approval will not be recognised.

The letter further cautioned any “backdoor entry” into universities would undermine the integrity of the public employment system and violate principles of fairness, transparency, and equality. It added regularising such appointments would unfairly disadvantage deserving candidates.

Citing Section 22 of the Orissa Universities Act, 1989, the government reiterated all posts must be duly sanctioned by the state. It also stressed appointments must strictly follow prescribed statutory procedures.

Any appointment made without proper sanction or in violation of these procedures is outside the provisions of the Act and therefore lacks legal validity, the letter stated.