The Odisha Cabinet recently approved the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, granting the governor authority to appoint interim vice-chancellors in state-supported universities. With 13 out of 17 institutions facing leadership gaps, the move ensures academic continuity until full-time VCs are appointed. While faculty largely support the change, concerns remain over the lack of defined eligibility criteria—possibly opening posts to non-academic administrators. Official VC recruitment has begun, but the interim appointments aim to prevent operational delays. The ordinance is expected to be notified shortly.