Patna: Bihar is preparing to replace its 50-year-old university laws with a proposed Bihar State University Act-2026, a move that could significantly alter the way higher education institutions are administered across the state.
If passed, the legislation would repeal both the Bihar State University Act-1976 and the Patna University Act-1976, while introducing a uniform framework for universities and degree colleges.
The proposed changes have already triggered opposition from university teachers and non-teaching staff, who have begun a phased agitation against the proposed Higher Education Bill.
Government To Gain Greater Control Over Colleges
Under the proposed system, the Governor, who serves as Chancellor, would retain authority over universities, particularly postgraduate education and research, while control over undergraduate education would shift away from the Chancellor’s jurisdiction.
The state government would assume greater responsibility for college administration, including the recruitment, transfer and posting of college teachers.
Government officials would also be deployed to oversee the functioning of colleges.
The proposed framework would bring 481 government degree colleges, along with new degree colleges being constructed across 211 blocks, under greater government control.
The changes could also mean that university and college teachers would have to approach the state Secretariat for administrative matters that were previously handled through university structures.
Uniform Syllabus Across Universities
A central feature of the proposed legislation is the introduction of a uniform pattern of education and syllabus across Bihar’s universities.
Universities would retain control over postgraduate education and research activities, while undergraduate education would operate under the new state-level framework.
The government has argued that the reforms are necessary to address persistent problems in Bihar’s higher education system.
Concerns have been raised over alleged financial irregularities in universities, delays in examinations and classes, and complaints relating to recruitment, promotions and salary increments.
The government has also pointed to the poor performance of several Bihar colleges in NAAC accreditation, adding to the case for structural reform.
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Samrat Chaudhary Pushes Higher Education Reform
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has proposed the Higher Education Bill with the stated objectives of improving the quality and administration of higher education, reducing the migration of students to other states and restructuring university governance.
The proposed legislation represents a major change after five decades of university laws operating under the existing framework.
Teachers Begin Agitation
University teachers have opposed the proposed bill and begun a series of protests.
From August 5 to August 8, teaching and non-teaching staff participated in a peaceful protest by wearing black badges while continuing their academic and administrative duties.
The next phase is scheduled for August 10, when teaching and non-teaching staff from colleges across the state plan to take casual leave and hold demonstrations at university headquarters.
From August 11 to August 25, staff members will stage workplace protests and participate in a daily ‘Ring the Bell’ campaign at noon.
On September 5, Teachers’ Day, the protesting staff plan to hold an interactive session with students and parents.
The proposed legislation therefore faces a significant test: while the government says a new framework is needed to address administrative and academic shortcomings, university staff are resisting what they see as a major shift of power from universities towards the state government.
