Guv to review higher education scenario with university VCs today

Patna: Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, who is also the ex-officio chancellor of state universities, will meet vice-chancellors (VCs) of Bihar universities at Lok Bhavan on Monday, marking his first such interaction after assuming office on March 14.Lok Bhavan sources said the meeting will review the overall higher education scenario in the state, with a focus on campus discipline, adherence to the academic calendar, timely conduct of examinations and declaration of results, and implementation of state and central govt schemes. The state education minister, senior officials of the higher education department, the State Higher Education Council and officials of the chancellor’s secretariat are expected to attend, along with the VCs.Although the new chancellor has already held separate meetings with some VCs, the agenda includes one-on-one discussions with each vice-chancellor on the prevailing situation in their respective universities. Key issues likely to be discussed include progress in implementation of the Samarth modules for automation of university functioning, APAAR IDs for students, adoption of villages under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, appointment of teachers against sanctioned vacant posts, and compliance with other government decisions.Law and order issues being faced by some universities, particularly Patna University, are also expected to figure prominently in the discussions. Observers noted that the presence of the governor, a former lieutenant general, and the education minister, a former director general of police, lends added significance to the meeting.About three months ago, former chancellor Arif Mohammad Khan, at a meeting held at Lok Bhawan, had pulled up VCs for delays in streamlining university functioning and for lapses in timely compliance with high court and Raj Bhavan directives. He had also expressed concern over delayed or ignored official correspondence and directed vice-chancellors to ensure timely replies to questions raised in the state legislature pertaining to universities.