Patna: Growing concern among researchers and teachers over the changing character of public education, increasing emphasis on institutional autonomy and the expanding role of private institutions will be the focus of a “Save Education Conclave” to be held in Patna on Sunday.The conference, jointly organised by the Bihar Progressive University Teachers’ Association (BPUTA) and Jan Sanskriti Manch (JSM), will deliberate on the theme, “Current Crises and Challenges in the Public Education System of India”, at Gandhi Sangrahalaya from 11am.Conference convener Sovan Chakraborty said the discussions would examine whether the ongoing restructuring of higher education can ensure greater academic freedom and institutional autonomy while safeguarding the public character, affordability and social responsibility of universities and colleges.Participants are also expected to discuss the implications of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisages greater faculty and institutional autonomy, a gradual transition towards autonomous degree-granting colleges and a larger role for private and philanthropic institutions in higher education.The organisers said the conclave aims to bring together teachers, academics and education stakeholders to reflect on the future of public education in the country.