Patna: Bihar Governor and Chancellor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain has directed universities to make special arrangements for Assistant Professors pursuing PhD programmes after securing contractual appointments at newly established government degree colleges.
The directive was issued during a review meeting with vice-chancellors of all universities at Bihar Lok Bhavan on Wednesday. The meeting also reviewed academic calendars, new curricula, utilisation certificates and other aspects of higher education administration.
The Governor said special instructions would be issued for contractual Assistant Professors enrolled in PhD programmes at universities so that they do not have to abandon their research work after taking up their teaching responsibilities.
The arrangement is intended to allow them to continue their PhD studies alongside their contractual duties and complete their research.
‘Samarth’ To Become Key Digital Platform
The governor described the implementation of the Samarth portal as an important opportunity to modernise higher education administration.
He called for the portal to be used to its fullest potential and for university data to be preserved carefully to prevent problems arising from data loss or the need to collect information again.
He said Samarth should increasingly become the primary digital platform for managing key activities across Bihar’s universities.
Focus On Students And Generation Z
The Governor also urged universities to better understand the changing aspirations and mindset of Generation Z.
He said universities should maintain regular dialogue with students to understand their concerns and expectations and create a positive academic environment.
Hasnain told vice-chancellors that the higher education system did not require a radical overhaul but needed periodic improvements and stronger coordination.
Universities Asked To Strengthen Libraries
The Governor highlighted the importance of libraries in maintaining academic standards and directed universities to review their library facilities.
He also stressed the social responsibilities of universities, urging them to expand initiatives for adopting villages and institutions and regularly report on their development.
Universities were also asked to participate actively in the TB-free India and TB-free Bihar campaigns.
Academic Sessions, DigiLocker And Exams Reviewed
The meeting also discussed regularising academic sessions, making university degrees available through DigiLocker, improving examination systems and ensuring that teacher availability corresponds with student numbers.
The Governor’s Additional Chief Secretary, Deepak Kumar Singh, and Education Adviser Prof Binod Kumar Tripathi were among the officials present at the meeting.
The review comes as Bihar’s universities face a broader push towards digital administration, more regular academic processes and closer coordination between teaching, research and university management.
