Patna: The Bihar government is preparing to introduce a new Higher Education Bill during the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature, proposing sweeping reforms that would place government degree colleges under direct state control, redefine the role of universities and introduce new service rules for teachers.
If passed, the legislation would separate the administrative functions of universities and degree colleges, with universities focusing primarily on postgraduate education and research while the state government assumes direct control of undergraduate colleges.
Government To Take Direct Control Of Degree Colleges
The proposed law seeks to remove around 481 government degree colleges from the administrative control of Bihar’s 12 state universities and place them under the Higher Education Department.
At present, these colleges function under their respective universities. Under the new framework, the department would be responsible for their administration, academic management and operational decisions.
The proposal would leave universities largely responsible for postgraduate teaching, research and other academic functions at the university level.
Teacher Appointments And Transfers To Shift To Department
The bill also proposes transferring authority over the appointment, transfer, promotion and service conditions of college teachers from universities to the Higher Education Department.
To facilitate these changes, the government is preparing amendments to the Patna University Act, 1976, and the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976.
Political Activity Ban Proposed For Teachers
Among the most notable provisions is a proposal to prohibit teachers in government colleges from participating in political activities.
If enacted, the law would bar teachers from publicly supporting political parties or ideologies, campaigning for them or writing in their favour.
Recruitment Rules Set For Overhaul
The government is also proposing changes to the eligibility criteria for the appointment of Assistant Professors.
Under the draft proposal, candidates would be required to possess a postgraduate degree and qualify the National Eligibility Test (NET). The proposal seeks to remove the PhD as a mandatory qualification for recruitment.
Career Path To Universities May Change
The proposed legislation would also alter the career progression of teachers serving in degree colleges.
Under the new system, college teachers would no longer be eligible for appointment as professors in universities through promotion or experience-based progression, a pathway currently available under existing rules.
District-Level Oversight Planned
The government is also planning to appoint a Higher Education Officer in every district.
These officials would supervise the academic, administrative and operational functioning of all government degree colleges within their respective districts.
Major Structural Reform Proposed
If enacted, the legislation would mark one of the most significant restructurings of Bihar’s higher education system in decades.
The proposed reforms would centralise the administration of government degree colleges under the Higher Education Department while introducing a new regulatory framework governing recruitment, service conditions and the functioning of teachers. The bill is expected to be tabled during the monsoon session of the Bihar legislature.
