Bhubaneswar, Aug. 23: The state cabinet today decided to establish a council for higher education by enacting a new legislation.

The Odisha State Higher Education Council was earlier formed as a part of the National Education Policy 1986. It will now be made a statutory body through legislation. This is one of the prerequisites of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Siksha Abhiyan scheme of 2015.

The cabinet proposed that the council should have four members headed by the minister of higher education who would act as the chairperson of the council. A vice-chairperson in the rank of professor besides 15 other members, including vice-chancellors of various universities, and principals of autonomous colleges will also be a part of the council.

The council will consist of one nominee from the government, two eminent scientists or experts in social sciences and seven persons with adequate knowledge in the fields of arts, science and technology, culture, civil society or industry. These members must be persons of eminence with ability and integrity, the cabinet said. The selection of secretary and vice-chairperson will be made through a search committee appointed by the state government.

"The proposed legislative measure is for coordination, maintenance of standards and promotion of higher education and research," said minister of higher education Pradeep Panigrahi. The council will be instrumental in de-linking Plus Two colleges from degree colleges and for regular evaluation of teachers to ensure accountability and merit-based promotion in colleges besides the formation of a separate Odisha accreditation and assessment system.

The new education policy observed that although it is mandatory for all educational institutions to be accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (Naac), it is difficult for all colleges in the state procure Naac accreditation within a definite time frame.