Five colleges under Patna University (PU) got new principals on Wednesday, not based on merit or qualifications, but through a lucky draw.
The most talked-about appointment was that of Nagendra Prasad Verma, a history teacher from Jai Prakash University in Chapra, who was selected as the principal of Magadh Mahila College in Patna through the lottery.
Two of Bihar’s oldest and most respected institutions, Patna College and Patna Science College, also got their new heads via the draw. Anil Kumar, a chemistry teacher from a college in Uttar Pradesh, will now lead Patna College, while Alaka Yadav of Mahila College, Hajipur, will take charge of Patna Science College.
Similarly, Suheli Mehta, a home science teacher from Magadh Mahila College, will now lead Vanijya Mahavidyalay, a college for commerce studies. Yogendra Kr Varma from Patna Law College was selected as its new principal too.
Interestingly, all five had earlier been shortlisted for principal posts by the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC). This was the first time in 15 years that the Commission had recommended appointments based on interviews and academic performance.
Why the Lottery System?
Normally, it is the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university who appoints principals. However, following allegations of irregularities in principal appointments across several universities, Bihar’s Governor-cum-Chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan ordered that candidates recommended by BSUSC should be posted through a lottery system.
This draw was carried out under the supervision of a three-member committee including PU VC Ajay Kumar Singh, registrar Shalini, and the Chancellor’s representative Rahmat Jahan.
Academics Raise Concerns
The decision to appoint principals via lottery has drawn criticism from several senior academics. They questioned how a home science teacher could run a commerce college or a chemistry teacher could lead an institution known for arts and humanities.
Some are calling this method unfair and not in the best interest of students or institutions. Critics believe that while the lottery avoided possible bias, it ignored the suitability of candidates for specific colleges.
Inputs from TOI
The most talked-about appointment was that of Nagendra Prasad Verma, a history teacher from Jai Prakash University in Chapra, who was selected as the principal of Magadh Mahila College in Patna through the lottery.
Two of Bihar’s oldest and most respected institutions, Patna College and Patna Science College, also got their new heads via the draw. Anil Kumar, a chemistry teacher from a college in Uttar Pradesh, will now lead Patna College, while Alaka Yadav of Mahila College, Hajipur, will take charge of Patna Science College.
Similarly, Suheli Mehta, a home science teacher from Magadh Mahila College, will now lead Vanijya Mahavidyalay, a college for commerce studies. Yogendra Kr Varma from Patna Law College was selected as its new principal too.
Interestingly, all five had earlier been shortlisted for principal posts by the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC). This was the first time in 15 years that the Commission had recommended appointments based on interviews and academic performance.
Why the Lottery System?
Normally, it is the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university who appoints principals. However, following allegations of irregularities in principal appointments across several universities, Bihar’s Governor-cum-Chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan ordered that candidates recommended by BSUSC should be posted through a lottery system.
This draw was carried out under the supervision of a three-member committee including PU VC Ajay Kumar Singh, registrar Shalini, and the Chancellor’s representative Rahmat Jahan.
Academics Raise Concerns
The decision to appoint principals via lottery has drawn criticism from several senior academics. They questioned how a home science teacher could run a commerce college or a chemistry teacher could lead an institution known for arts and humanities.
Some are calling this method unfair and not in the best interest of students or institutions. Critics believe that while the lottery avoided possible bias, it ignored the suitability of candidates for specific colleges.
Inputs from TOI
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