Bihar New Education Bill: A major overhaul of Bihar's higher education system is likely on the horizon. The state government is preparing to introduce a new Education Bill during the monsoon session. Once enacted, this bill will detach over 500 government degree colleges from their respective universities and place them directly under the Higher Education Department. This shift will bring changes to various critical aspects, including college administration and the recruitment and promotion of teachers.

**Administration of Over 500 Degree Colleges to Change**
Currently, Bihar's 21 state universities oversee the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) colleges affiliated with them. However, under the new proposal, universities will retain control only over PG-level education, while all government degree colleges offering undergraduate courses will be managed directly by the state's Higher Education Department. This move is expected to lead to a more centralized administrative structure for the colleges.

**Higher Education Department to Assume Major Responsibility**
Under the proposed legislation, the Higher Education Department—rather than the universities—will handle almost all administrative decisions regarding college teachers and staff, such as appointments, promotions, and service-related matters. Additionally, there are plans to unify the university system, which currently operates under various separate laws, to streamline administrative processes.

**New Rules for Teachers**
The new education law also proposes specific regulations for teachers. Under these rules, college teachers will be prohibited from participating in political activities or publicly promoting or supporting any political ideology. Furthermore, there is a plan to appoint a 'Higher Education Officer' in every district to oversee colleges, a role similar to that of the District Education Officer in the school system.

**Different Path to Becoming a Professor**
Once this proposal is implemented, teachers in degree colleges will no longer be able to become university professors in the future. Previously, college teachers in Bihar could advance to become university professors based on their experience. Additionally, a Master's degree and NET qualification will now suffice for appointment as an Assistant Professor in a degree college; previously, a PhD was often considered a mandatory requirement.

 Governor Hints at New Legislation
Governor Syed Ata Hasnain recently stated that serious efforts are underway to make the higher education system in Bihar more effective and of higher quality. He expressed hope that a new bill concerning higher education would be introduced during the upcoming legislative assembly session. However, the state government has not yet made the final draft of this bill public.

Rapid Expansion of Government Degree Colleges in Bihar
The state government has recently inaugurated 211 new degree colleges. The government aims to establish at least one government degree college in each of the state's 534 blocks. Under this initiative, the number of government degree colleges in Bihar is set to exceed 500. Consequently, once the new education law is implemented, the operation of these colleges could be managed entirely under a new system.

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