Bhubaneswar, Jan. 31 -- The Odisha Higher Education Department has warned of strict disciplinary action against lecturers found remaining idle, socialising, or not taking classes during working hours in government-aided colleges.

The department stated that such negligence could lead to stringent measures, including the withholding of salaries.

The decision follows a review conducted by the Higher Education Department, during which serious lapses in academic responsibilities were detected. During surprise visits carried out on January 29, 2026, officials found instances of negligence in two government-aided Sanskrit colleges in Cuttack district.

According to the findings, several lecturers were seated in chairs and engaged with their mo...