Following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, amid protests over the NEET-UG paper leak, representatives of teachers' and employees' organisations from across Bihar held a joint meeting in Patna to oppose the proposed amendments to the Bihar State University Act, 1976, warning that the move would undermine the autonomy of universities. The meeting was organised at Dr AK Sen Bhawan in Kankarbagh under the joint banner of FUTAB, FUSTAB and the Bihar State University and College Employees Federation.
A large number of teaching and non-teaching staff from universities and colleges across the state attended the meeting. Among those present were Legislative Councillor Dr Madan Mohan Jha, Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, Dr Ashok Kumar, Dr Gangadhar Jha, Federation patron Brajkishore Singh, president Venkatesh Kumar and general secretary Rohit Kumar.
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The participants strongly opposed the state government's proposal to amend the Bihar State University Act and bring affiliated degree colleges directly under the Bihar government by separating them from their respective universities. Speakers at the meeting described the proposal as a direct attack on the autonomy of universities and the higher education system.
Statewide Agitation Warned
The representatives made it clear that teachers and non-teaching staff would strongly oppose the proposed amendment and would not allow it to be implemented. They announced that if required, phased protests and agitation would be organised across universities and colleges throughout Bihar.
Speakers emphasised that the teaching fraternity and university employees were united in safeguarding the autonomy of universities and preserving the dignity of higher education.
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Representatives From Magadh University Participate
The meeting was attended by several representatives from Magadh University, including MUTA President Anjani Kumar, Gaya College Teachers' Association Secretary Dr Anand Kumar, Jagjivan College Teachers' Association President Dr Pradeep Kumar, Secretary Dr Sangeeta Kumari, Joint Secretary Dr Rajiv Ranjan, Gaya College Regional Secretary Santosh Kumar Singh, Magadh University Regional Patron Vinesh Kumar Singh, and Gaya College non-teaching staff member Rahul Kumar.
All representatives reaffirmed their commitment to continue a united struggle against the proposed amendment to the Bihar State University Act.