Bihar higher education on verge of collapse, says Governor

Governor Ram Nath Kovind, who doubles as chancellor of Bihar’s universities, made it clear at a function in Muzaffarpur (Bihar) he is disappointed with the state of institutions of higher learning

MUZAFFARPUR Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind, said here on Saturday that higher education in the state was on the verge of collapse.

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind at a function in Muzaffarpur (Bihar) on Friday.(HT photo)

Kovind said he realised this when he reviewed the state of higher education soon after taking charge of the office of the governor, in August 2015. “I called the officials concerned and minister for higher education and asked them to do the needful to restore higher education to the right track”, he added.

The governor’s statement, from a public platform, is significant, considering that he also serves as chancellor of universities of Bihar. By virtues of this position, he is overall head of institutions of higher learning in the state.

Among the issues plaguing higher education in Bihar are shortage of teachers and officials in colleges, which has adversely impacted educational activities and the resultant migration of talented students to other states for better educational facilities.

The governor, in Muzaffarpur to attend a number of programmes, including a lecture on ‘Indian Freedom Struggle and Heritage of Sacrifices’, held at Sri Krishna Jublee Law College here, sounded pretty disappointed with the standard of higher education in the state.

Addressing a gathering of students of law faculty and academicians of Bhim Rao Ambedkar Bihar University (BRABU), Kovind emphasized the importance of quality higher education. “Quality higher education makes us human beings in true sense. It is also essential for good governance and establishing rule of law,” he said.

“Bihar has a rich history and many people sacrificed their families and lives to achieve freedom from the British rulers. Establishing good governance in the country through rule of law was the prime aim of the freedom fighters. So, everybody should contribute to realise this goal,” he opined.

Bhoj Nanda Prasad Singh, chairman of Modern Indian History Congress, said that the definition of the term ‘heritage’ had changed completely. “People are now defining heritage and patriotism as per their convenience. But, we must maintain a balance for a better future of our country,” he said.

Vice chancellor of BRABU AN Yadav said that Babu Veer Kunwar Singh and other freedom fighters from Bihar had sacrificed their lives for their successor generations, keeping a moral and social obligation towards the society in their mind.