Patna: Bihar Governor and Chancellor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain has directed vice-chancellors to ensure that anti-ragging and anti-bullying cells function effectively across all universities, stressing the need for safe, healthy and positive academic environments for students.
The Governor also instructed universities to establish psychological counselling centres and maintain regular communication with students to ensure their concerns are addressed promptly.
The directions were issued during a review meeting on the academic and administrative activities of Jai Prakash University, Chhapra, held at Bihar Lok Bhavan on Friday.
Focus On Fear-Free Campuses
Hasnain said providing students with a fear-free environment should be a priority for university administrations.
He directed vice-chancellors to keep anti-ragging and anti-bullying cells active and ensure timely action on complaints.
Universities were also asked to maintain regular interaction with students and establish mechanisms for resolving their academic and other concerns effectively.
Libraries To Get More Physical Books
The Governor also stressed the need to strengthen university libraries.
In addition to e-books, universities were directed to ensure that an adequate number of physical books are available to students. Libraries should be made more useful and better resourced to support teaching, learning and research, he said.
The meeting also covered the timely payment of salaries and pensions to teachers and other staff.
Hasnain directed universities to adhere to the academic calendar and ensure that students receive their degrees on time.
Jai Prakash University Reviews Academic Systems
During the review of Jai Prakash University, Vice-Chancellor Prof Parmendra Kumar Bajpai presented details of the institution’s human resources, infrastructure, central library, study centres, research and development activities.
The meeting also examined student placement, financial management, digital systems and e-governance.
Officials discussed the effective use of the Samarth portal and recruitment of librarians, assistant librarians and library assistants.
The university’s activities relating to sports and cultural programmes, NSS, NCC and the ‘Happiness Index’ were also reviewed.
The meeting was attended by the Governor’s Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar Singh and other officials.
