In a significant development concerning academic appointments in Bihar, the state's education department has flagged irregularities in the proposed appointment of a sitting cabinet minister as an assistant professor. The case has now been referred back to the appointing authority for a fresh review.
Appointment Withheld Over Discrepancies
State Education Minister Sunil Kumar confirmed on Monday that the file related to the appointment of Cabinet Minister Ashok Choudhary as an assistant professor has been sent back to the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC). The minister stated that the government has sought the commission's formal opinion on the matter after identifying certain inconsistencies.
Ashok Choudhary was one of 274 candidates who successfully cleared the interview for the position of assistant professor in political science in June this year. The interview process was conducted by the BSUSC. Following the declaration of results, the commission forwarded the complete list of all successful candidates, including Choudhary, to the education department for the final appointment process.
The Name Discrepancy and Allocation
Choudhary was allocated to Patliputra University (PPU) along with 17 other candidates. However, his appointment was subsequently withheld by the education department before he could assume the post.
Addressing the media during a press conference, Education Minister Sunil Kumar explained the decision. "We have looked into this matter and found some discrepancies," he said. "His case has been sent back to the commission and it has been asked to give its opinion." Minister Kumar further clarified the division of responsibility, emphasizing that the selection process falls solely under the purview of the BSUSC, not the education department.
Government sources pointed to a specific discrepancy: the minister is known to use two different names. In his educational certificates, he is listed as 'Ashok Kumar', while his election affidavit bears the name 'Ashok Choudhary'. This inconsistency is believed to be a key factor under scrutiny.
Broader Context: Teacher Shortages and Guest Faculty
When questioned about the wider issue of faculty shortages in state universities, particularly for assistant and associate professor roles, Minister Kumar outlined the government's interim plan. His department has requested all university vice-chancellors to provide updated data on vacant assistant professor positions to expedite future appointments.
In the meantime, to prevent disruption in academic activities, universities have been directed to appoint 'guest faculty' to fill the gaps. This stop-gap arrangement aims to ensure that students' studies continue uninterrupted while permanent recruitment processes are finalized.
The development highlights the ongoing challenges in higher education staffing in Bihar and underscores the scrutiny being applied to appointments, even those involving high-profile individuals. The final decision on Ashok Choudhary's academic appointment now rests on the response from the Bihar State University Service Commission.
