KK Pathak- Raj Bhavan Conflict Intensifies: ACS Queries Governor’s Secretariat Over VC Meeting Directive

Patna: Tensions between the Education Department and the Governor’s office in Bihar have escalated following objections raised by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) KK Pathak regarding an alleged directive barring vice-chancellors of state universities from attending departmental meetings.

In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the Governor’s Secretariat, KK Pathak rebuked the purported order, asserting that it encroached upon the autonomy of the Education Department. Pathak highlighted the limitations outlined in Section 9(7)(2) concerning the Chancellor’s authority, questioning the legitimacy of instructions that undermine the department’s mandate. He further challenged the rationale behind the Governor cum Chancellor’s alleged attempt to sow discord among university officials.

Citing a directive issued by the Governor’s Secretariat on December 21, 2023, Pathak contested the jurisdictional basis for the Governor’s intervention in matters pertaining to primary and secondary education. The missive, dated February 29, 2024, instructing VCs to abstain from departmental meetings, drew Pathak’s scrutiny, citing Section 7 of the State Legislature Second Act to delineate the governance structure of universities.

Pathak’s missive also addressed Principal Secretary to the Governor, Robert L. Chongthu, questioning the lack of communication regarding the Governor’s directive. Pathak underscored the constitutional significance of the Chancellor’s position, suggesting that coordination with higher authorities such as the Chief Minister or relevant ministers would have been prudent.

Relations between the Raj Bhavan and the Education Department have soured since KK Pathak assumed office, with repeated attempts to convene meetings with university VCs thwarted by Raj Bhawan’s reluctance to engage. Despite Pathak’s efforts to streamline examination sessions and administrative arrangements through six scheduled meetings, VC attendance has been conspicuously absent following the Governor’s office’s directive.