In a recent meeting called by the Education Department on Monday, vice-chancellors from seven universities failed to attend, exacerbating tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the Education Department. The meeting, aimed at discussing financial management issues at universities, was scheduled by the Higher Education Directorate, but none of the vice-chancellors showed up, leading to increased mistrust between the two entities.
The vice-chancellors of Patliputra University, Munger University, Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Magadh University, Nalanda Open University, Purnea University, and Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University were invited to the meeting.
In a letter to the Raj Bhavan, the vice-chancellors highlighted difficulties in filing tax returns due to delayed salary payments and restrictions on bank accounts, which also affected exam arrangements. Following complaints from the universities, the Raj Bhavan wrote to the Education Department to address these issues. However, the Education Department opted to directly invite the vice-chancellors for discussions.
Prior meetings on March 28-29, as well as March 15, 9, 3, and February 28, initiated by the Education Department, also faced similar challenges with absentee vice-chancellors. Despite efforts, meetings aimed at resolving the conflict could not be convened. Technical reasons cited by the Governor prevented his participation in these meetings.
A resolution was reached during a discussion held on March 8 at the Raj Bhavan, attended by the Deputy Chief Minister, Education Minister, and the Education Department’s Principal Secretary KK Pathak. It was decided that the Education Department would immediately withdraw its February 28 directive, which had imposed restrictions on university officials’ salaries and bank accounts. This restriction remains in place, and the Raj Bhavan has written a crucial letter to the state’s Chief Secretary regarding the matter.
