Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain Assumes Role as Bihar Governor with Focus on Education Reform
Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain was sworn in as the 43rd governor of Bihar on Saturday, taking on the significant responsibility of ex-officio chancellor of the state universities. His appointment comes at a crucial time for Bihar's higher education system, which faces numerous challenges despite recent efforts by his predecessor, Arif Mohammed Khan, and the state government.
Decades of Experience in University Administration
A highly decorated Indian Army officer, Hasnain brings valuable experience to the role, having served as the chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir from 2018 to 2023. This background provides him with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in managing academic institutions, which will be essential as he navigates Bihar's complex educational landscape.
Critical Deficiencies in Bihar's Higher Education
Bihar's state universities lag far behind their counterparts in other states in terms of academic performance at the national level. Not a single state university in Bihar has achieved an 'A' grade accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Furthermore, none of these institutions appear in the top 100 rankings under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), highlighting systemic issues that require immediate attention.
Despite having 260 constituent colleges across the state, Bihar produces very few scholars of national repute. The research output from these institutions is unsatisfactory, with publications being almost negligible, according to academics. This lack of scholarly contribution undermines the state's educational prestige and limits opportunities for students and faculty alike.
Acute Shortage of Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff
Almost all academic institutions in Bihar are grappling with an acute shortage of teachers and non-teaching staff, which severely hampers academic growth. Although the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC) has appointed some assistant professors in recent years, thousands of sanctioned posts remain vacant across various universities. This staffing crisis directly impacts the quality of education and the overall functioning of these institutions.
The Lok Bhawan has recently proposed changes to the appointment criteria for assistant professors by introducing a written test. A draft statute outlining these modifications is currently awaiting approval from both the state government and the chancellor. Hasnain will need to carefully examine this proposal before endorsing it, ensuring it serves the interests of talented but unemployed candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Leadership Vacancies and Administrative Delays
Kanhaiya Bahadur Sinha, working president of the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations of Bihar (FUTAB), emphasized that the new chancellor must expedite the appointment of vice-chancellors in universities currently operating on an ad-hoc basis due to the absence of regular leadership. Additionally, Hasnain will have to make a final decision regarding Patna University vice-chancellor Ajay Kumar Singh, who has been under suspension for the past six months.
Persistent Issues with Academic Timelines
Delayed academic sessions pose another major challenge for Bihar's universities. Sessions are running late by more than a year because examinations are not conducted on time and results are declared very late. Nawal Kishore Chaudhary, retired principal of Patna College, noted that this situation causes irreparable harm to bright students, who miss job opportunities due to delayed results. Addressing these timeline issues will be critical for improving student outcomes and institutional efficiency.
As Lt Gen Hasnain steps into his new role, his military discipline and administrative experience will be tested in overhauling Bihar's higher education system. The state's academic future hinges on his ability to implement reforms, fill staffing gaps, and restore timely academic processes, ultimately aiming to elevate Bihar's universities to national standards.
