- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Thu, 15 May 2025 04:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bihar government plans to transform all state universities into Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs), enabling students to earn dual degrees either simultaneously or sequentially. Currently, only Patna University and Lalit Narayan Mithila University operate under the MERU framework, each receiving Rs 100 crore for development.
The Education Department, following a high-level meeting held from April 30 to May 1, has directed the Bihar State Higher Education Council (RUSA) to extend MERU status to all universities.
Under this initiative, the National Credit Framework will be implemented soon, and all students and institutions will be registered on the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) portal, allowing degree credits to be tracked and transferred across courses.The move aims to facilitate multiple entry and exit points for students and encourage collaboration between universities and industry to incorporate timely internships and apprenticeship programs.
To support this transition, a digital infrastructure development plan for colleges and universities is underway. The Education Department emphasises the importance of students obtaining Apaar IDs and the availability of educational materials in Indian languages through the Indian Knowledge System.
Teacher training programs under the Malaviya Mission will be enhanced, along with support for colleges and universities to improve their NAAC and NIRF accreditation. This comprehensive approach is expected to maximise funding opportunities from the central government while modernising higher education in Bihar.
