In a tumultuous year for higher education institutions in Bihar, challenges ranging from leadership vacancies to procedural hurdles marked the academic journey in 2023. The absence of regular vice-chancellors and numerous vacant teaching positions compelled universities to operate under ad-hoc arrangements. Moreover, a dispute between the education department and the chancellor’s secretariat added complexity to university governance.
The appointment of assistant professors, eagerly anticipated to fill vacant posts, faced delays due to procedural issues and legal constraints. The Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC) had initiated the process in November 2021 but faced setbacks after a legal halt by the Patna High Court. BSUSC chairman Girish Kumar Chaudhary expressed optimism about resolving the legal concerns and proceeding with the appointments.
To address the faculty shortage, the state education department authorized universities to hire teachers from private agencies for a two-year period. This move aims to mitigate the impact of delayed permanent appointments.
Meanwhile, the prolonged absence of regularly-appointed vice-chancellors in several universities prompted the chancellor’s secretariat to advertise the positions. A unique twist occurred when the state education department independently advertised VC positions, leading to intervention by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and subsequent withdrawal of the department’s advertisements. The process of selecting vice-chancellors through search committees is underway at Raj Bhawan.
Despite these challenges, 15 higher education institutions, including two universities and 13 colleges, received accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2023. Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) achieved an A++ grade, while L N Mithila University secured a B+ grade. The implementation of a four-year degree course under the choice-based credit system (CBCS) across all state universities, aligned with the National Education Policy, was a positive development.
The academic landscape in Bihar faces uncertainties, but ongoing efforts to address faculty shortages and leadership vacancies signal a commitment to improving higher education in the state.
