Patna: Bihar’s universities have been directed to establish dedicated research and innovation cells as part of a wider effort to strengthen academic research and align higher education institutions with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The initiative, led by the Governor’s Secretariat, comes with instructions from Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, who is also the Chancellor of the state’s universities, asking Vice-Chancellors to prepare comprehensive plans to promote research and innovation in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
Dedicated Research Cells To Be Set Up
According to officials, every university is expected to appoint expert nodal officers by the end of the current academic session to oversee research and innovation activities.
The Governor’s Secretariat has written to all Vice-Chancellors, directing them to create institutional mechanisms that encourage research, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Officials said the move is intended to strengthen Bihar’s research ecosystem and improve the quality of academic output across the state’s higher education institutions.
New Fellowship And Grant Schemes Planned
The Governor’s Secretariat also announced that preparations are underway to launch several new initiatives aimed at supporting researchers and young academics.
These include the Chancellor’s Post-Doctoral Fellowship, the Chief Minister’s Research Grant Scheme, and the Chief Minister’s Research Scholarship Scheme, all of which are expected to be introduced later this year.
Detailed operational guidelines for the schemes will be issued separately.
Officials said the programmes are designed to provide financial support for high-quality research and encourage a stronger culture of inquiry within Bihar’s universities.
UGC Guidelines To Shape Research Agenda
The initiative follows the UGC’s emphasis on integrating research into higher education institutions, making research activity an essential component of academic development.
The Governor’s Secretariat said universities should formulate their research strategies in accordance with the national framework while creating an environment that promotes innovation across disciplines.
Focus On NEP 2020 Reforms
Governor Hasnain has also instructed Vice-Chancellors to accelerate the implementation of research-related reforms envisaged under NEP 2020.
According to the Governor’s Secretariat, strengthening research capacity is essential for improving the quality and global competitiveness of Bihar’s higher education institutions.
Officials said universities should complement conventional classroom teaching with diverse academic approaches that encourage critical thinking, innovation and knowledge creation, reflecting evolving global trends in higher education research.
