Bihar government plans to reform higher education; New University Act is being considered
A high-level conference on higher education reforms was held on Friday at Lok Bhawan under the chairmanship of Governor-cum-Chancellor Syed Ata Hasnain. The conference focused on improving education, strengthening management, promoting research, and accelerating digital transformation in the universities of Bihar.Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Higher Education Minister Sanjay Singh also participated in the discussion.One of the major decisions taken in the conference was the proposal to draft a new university constitution in Bihar.The officials said that the law will incorporate best practices from central universities and foreign universities.The proposed system is being developed following a review of university laws in 15 states, to create a simple, transparent and modern system for higher education in Bihar.To promote research and innovation, agreements were reached on a number of new initiatives, including the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, the Chief Minister’s Research Grant Scheme, and the Chief Minister’s Research Scholarship Scheme.These proposals aim to promote a culture of research and provide financial support to scholars and researchers.The meeting also reviewed the implementation of Samarth digital platform in all public universities.Admission is already taking place through the portal.The governor directed the universities to implement all 26 modules of the Samarth system by December 31, 2026.These modules cover admissions, training management, human resources, finance and accounts, and administrative functions.The move aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and digital control.Officials informed the meeting that a single recruitment process has been implemented in 211 newly established government degree colleges.The aim is to ensure that qualified teachers are selected based on their skills and improve their teaching in higher education institutions.The government is planning to make an official development.Each institution of higher education must organize only one Faculty Development Program per year.Teacher training centers established under the Madan Mohan Malaviya Teacher Training Scheme at Patna and Muzaffarpur universities are also encouraged.The meeting reviewed the efforts to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the universities of Bihar.Officials said that education programs are being revised according to national standards, and the 43 syllabus for higher education is expected to be approved in the first week of July.The establishment of digital resources such as INFLIBNET, APAAR, and the National Academic Depository is also regularly monitored.The meeting discussed the timing of transfer and promotion of teachers and universities.It was decided that the normal transfer would take place only in June.Transfers outside of the designated period may require special conditions and prior approval from the Chancellor.This policy aims to ensure that the management of the system is sustainable.Proposals were also discussed to establish a Chancellor’s Library dedicated to researchers and teachers.The proposed facility will provide access to research materials, educational materials, and collections.Governor Syed Ata Hasnain observed that the coordinated implementation of these measures will strengthen transparency, accountability, digitalization, quality education, and student monitoring in all universities of Bihar.The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer Deepak Kumar, Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, Director of Higher Education Prof. NK Agrawal, and officials of the Raj Bhavan Secretariat.
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