Bhubaneswar: The state government will bring about changes in the higher education system from this academic session with focus on the admission, curriculum, on-time graduation, timely conduct of examination and the change in its pattern.

"Detailed modalities for the action areas are being worked out, so that steps can be taken up with strict timelines," said higher education minister Anant Das.

There are also proposals to set up new model degree colleges in various districts. At present, there are eight model degree colleges in Boudh, Deogarh, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Nayagarh, Rayagada and Sonepur.

Three other colleges - the SCS College, Puri, KKS Women's College, Balasore and the Government College, Sundargarh - have been upgraded to model degree colleges. There are also plans to fill up vacant posts in government and aided universities.

Steps are being taken to fill up 833 posts of junior lecturers with consultation of the school and mass education department. The government has also approved 320 more teaching posts in degree colleges.

There is also a proposal for an Odisha University Research and Innovation Incentivisation Plan of wide ranging public acceptance, especially among the youth.

Recently, the higher education department has asked the authorities of all government and private colleges and universities to implement the new Odisha Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2018 rules with immediate effect.

The department has instructed the concerned authorities of the institutions to execute all official works in Odia within a week in letter and spirit, issuing a notification on Thursday. It has asked the authorities to submit an action taken report within 10 days.

Besides, they have been asked to display the name of their institution in Odia at the entrance gate. There is also proposal to make two regional directorates in Balasore and Jeypore fully functional.