In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar shed light on the steps taken by his office to elevate the standard of education in Bihar’s state universities. The governor, who also serves as the ex-officio chancellor of state universities, addressed concerns about the delay in filling key positions, emphasizing the importance of finding individuals with impeccable records and integrity. Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:
On the Appointment of Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors:
The process for six universities has been completed, with the names of shortlisted candidates submitted to me. However, I await consultation with the Chief Minister before finalizing the appointments. While the recent Supreme Court order allows me to make these appointments independently, I prefer to adhere to the practice of consultation. The delay in one aspect affects the overall process, and I believe in a system where all wings complement each other.
Challenges at Patna University:
The appointment process at Patna University faced delays due to issues with the government nominee, who happened to be a pension holder from the same university. To adhere to UGC norms, a different nominee was sought, causing a temporary setback. However, with a new nominee from the government, the process is expected to be completed for Patna University as well.
Vacancies Beyond V-Cs and Pro V-Cs:
Filling crucial vacancies for full-time registrars, exam controllers, financial advisors, and finance officers poses challenges. The governor expressed his preference for individuals with impeccable records and integrity in these key positions. However, he noted the difficulty in finding suitable candidates, emphasizing the need for a meticulous selection process. The governor highlighted instances where V-Cs faced issues with registrars, signaling the importance of maintaining a balance in the functioning of university administrations.
Addressing Promotion Backlogs:
Governor Arlekar acknowledged the growing backlog in promotions at universities and contemplated issuing guidelines for uniformity in promotions without favoritism. He expressed the need for a system where promotions to teachers of the same batch occur simultaneously, eliminating differences in notification dates to prevent seniority issues.
Audit of Bihar Universities:
Governor Arlekar revealed plans to audit all universities through the Raj Bhavan’s audit team, seeking assistance from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The goal is to ensure transparency by putting audited reports on university websites. Additionally, the governor stressed the importance of regulating self-financing courses, emphasizing adherence to norms and procedures for the common good.
Challenges in Implementing the New Education Policy:
Governor Arlekar acknowledged initial reluctance among university officials but noted a gradual shift in their approach towards adopting the new education policy. While some universities are grappling with late academic sessions, efforts are being made to align with the calendar. The governor emphasized the importance of proactive individuals embracing necessary changes for the benefit of students. Addressing the shortage of faculty, he advocated for a decentralized system at the university level for filling vacancies, citing issues with the centralized approach.
In conclusion, Governor Arlekar stressed the significance of finding individuals committed to the betterment of the education system, reflecting on the complexities and efforts involved in bringing about positive transformations.
