B K Mishra
Bihar governor Syed Ata Hasnain
Patna: Governor-cum-chancellor Syed Ata Hasnain on Thursday called for a comprehensive overhaul of Bihar’s higher education system, saying delays in examinations and results, weak coordination and poor communication with students were eroding confidence in universities.Addressing a one-day workshop on “TransformationofHigherEducationinBihar” at Lok Bhavan, Hasnain said the negative perception surrounding higher education in the state must change through time-bound reforms, better coordination and accountability.Vice-chancellors and senior officials of all state universities attended the workshop in the presence of higher education minister Sanjay Singh Tiger.Placing students at the centre of the reform agenda, the governor stressed the need for regular interaction with them and prompt redressal of grievances. He said academic calendars should be adhered to, examinations conducted on schedule and results published on time, warning that uncertainty adversely affects students.Hasnain said education could not be confined to classrooms alone, and highlighted the importance of hostels, mess facilities, libraries, laboratories, roads and campus security. He laid particular emphasis on the safety of women students and the need to promote gender sensitivity on campuses.The governor also called for effective implementation of the Samarth university management system, strengthening of human resources and development of a robust feedback mechanism for students. He urged universities to enhance faculty development programmes and promote sports activities.In a key recommendation, Hasnain said university libraries should remain open till 10pm and be equipped with adequate and updated learning resources. He also cautioned officials to ensure data security while transferring records from UMIS to Samarth and to maintain vigilance in payment-related matters.Timely payment of salaries and pensions to teachers and non-teaching employees was another priority highlighted by the governor.Higher education minister Sanjay Singh Tiger said Bihar’s youth and human capital needed greater opportunities, while additional chief secretary Deepak Kumar Singh said the workshop aimed to familiarise university officials with rules, regulations and best practices.Discussions during the workshop covered NAAC accreditation, financial management, disciplinary procedures, teacher development, digital libraries, NEP-2020, apprenticeships, industry-academia collaboration and SWAYAM courses. The governor also released a vice-chancellors’ handbook and a compendium of UGC Regulations.
