Should PU still have single-faculty colleges? Academicians raise concerns
2
3
Patna: Should 108-year-old Patna University (PU) be allowed to have single-faculty institutions at a time when the university is struggling hard to implement the provisions of the National Education Policy, 2020?
This question is being raised by the academicians more forcefully following a piquant situation created by the recent posting of principals recommended by the Bihar State University Service Commission in five colleges of PU.
They observe that a teacher of chemistry would not have been posted at Patna College which teaches humanities and social science subjects or a teacher of home science would not have been asked to join Vanijya Mahavidyalaya imparting education in commerce. Such an abnormal situation was created just because PU hosts a number of single-faculty institutions.
Ever since the promulgation of Patna University Act, 1976 (as amended up to date), PU consisted of several single faculty colleges, including Patna College (arts), Patna Science College (science), Vanijya Mahavidyalaya (commerce), Patna Training College (education), Women's Training College (education), Patna Law College (Law), College of arts and crafts (fine art), Patna Medical College (medicine) and Bihar College of Engineering (engineering), besides some multi-faculty colleges like B N College, Patna Women's College and Magadh Mahila College.
Two of these single faculty institutions were later delinked from PU. While, Bihar College of Engineering was converted into NIT-Patna in 2004, Patna Medical College was transferred first to Aryabhatta Knowledge University (2011) and then to Bihar Health Sciences University (2022).
In modern times, single-faculty institutions have to suffer on various counts. Patna Science College could not be accredited by NAAC with a good score in 2008 simply because it was a single-faculty institution.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Tiger Woods' Ex-Wife - Try Not To Gasp When You See Her Now
Journalistate
Undo
Similarly, Patna College, the oldest institution of higher education in Bihar, could be accredited with a poor 'C' grade owing to its single-faculty status.
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) awards varying scores on number of faculties and UG and PG teaching in a college, said former principal of Patna College, Nawal Kishore Chaudhary.
PU's former vice-chancellor Rash Bihari Singh pointed out that the National Education Policy, 2020 aims to transform all stand-alone single-faculty institutions, including those focused on specific fields like technical or health sciences, into multidisciplinary institutions by 2030.
This has become more necessary after the implementation of four-year degree programmes under choice based credit system (CBCS).
How could a student offer choice of his subject unless there were a variety of subjects to choose from, he questioned.
The vice-chairman of Bihar State Higher Education Council, Kameshwar Jha, opined maintaining the distinct identity of PU, which has served as a role model for all other institutions of higher education in the state, efforts should be made to widen its academic horizon by creating newer and more useful disciplines in its colleges. As the university is governed by a separate Act, it should not be generalised with others, he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
9 hours ago
- The Hindu
National conference ‘Bhasyotsava' to begin on August 3 at National Sanskrit University
National Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof. G.S.R. Krishnamurthy on Saturday announced that the three-day national conference 'Bhasyotsava' will be held at the campus in Tirupati from Sunday (August 3, 2025). The conference will discuss the inauguration of Akshara Purushottama Mandir in the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha tradition (modeled after the temple constructed in Abu Dhabi). Addressing the media here on Saturday (August 2, 2025), Prof. Krishnamurthy mentioned a MoU with international Swaminarayan institutions for research collaborations and establishing a replica temple in the campus heritage wing. 'Bhasyotsava' will jointly be organised by the Indian Philosophical Research Council, Swaminarayan Research Institution, Akshardham, and Utkal Peetham of the university. Notable guests include UGC Vice-Chairman Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, and representatives of prominent philosophical and academic bodies. The opening ceremony will feature an online address by the Acharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham and the President of the Swaminarayan Research Institution. The valedictory ceremony will be attended by Odisha Governor K. Hari Babuand and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The university also announced implementation of new research initiatives as per National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the 2025-26 academic year, and that spot admissions for various Sanskrit programmes will be open until August 14.
India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Maharashtra launches new maths and science programme for Classes 1 to 10
In a major step to improve the quality of school education, the Maharashtra government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Khan Academy and the Sri Sri Rural Development Trust (SSRDT). The agreements aim to make learning more engaging through technology, experiential models, and a stronger focus on foundational MoUs were signed on Wednesday in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Calling it a significant move, Fadnavis said, 'This is a crucial step towards making education more engaging and effective for students. These partnerships will play a vital role in nurturing curiosity and talent amongst young learners.'advertisementNEW MATHS AND SCIENCE PROGRAMMES FOR CLASSES 1 TO 10Under the collaboration with Khan Academy, the state will roll out the Dr Jayant Narlikar Maths and Science Learning Enhancement Programme for students in Classes 1 to 10. The three-year initiative, to be implemented by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), will provide curriculum-aligned content in both Marathi and English. Lessons will include video-based, self-paced modules designed to strengthen conceptual understanding in mathematics and LEARNING IN SCHOOLS The partnership with SSRDT, an initiative of the Art of Living Foundation, will focus on holistic school development in 150 selected government schools. The programme will emphasise experiential learning and include:School development planningInfrastructure upgradesTeacher trainingStudent skill and capacity buildingStronger community participationThese efforts will initially cover model schools set up under the National Education Policy's School Complex framework, including PM Shri and CM Shri schools. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the initiative aims not only to improve learning outcomes but also to strengthen the entire school ecosystem, especially in rural areas.(With PTI inputs)- Ends
News18
3 days ago
- News18
How Modi's NEP Is Fuelling India's 'Viksit Bharat' Dream
NEP signifies a change in India's view of education as catalyst for social advancement, technological leadership, and economic transformation rather than just a way to get a job. India is set on achieving the ambitious goal of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, aiming to create a developed, just, and knowledge-driven nation by the centennial of its independence. Central to this aspiration is the emphasis on education and innovation. This national objective is rooted in PM Narendra Modi's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its transformative vision. NEP 2020 represents a paradigm shift in India's perspective on education, viewing it as a driving force for social progress, technological leadership, and economic transformation, rather than just a means to secure employment. The National Research Foundation (NRF) is a new institutional framework designed to promote research, stimulate innovation, and establish India as a global knowledge powerhouse. The NEP's focus on research and innovation is not just an educational reform; it is also an economic necessity in an increasingly complex and competitive world. PM Narendra Modi has outlined the NEP to meet global education standards, aiming to empower the youth with skills that make them self-reliant and position India as a global innovation hub. With 128 universities, India is poised to become the world's second-best-represented nation in the 2026 World University Rankings, behind the United States (171) and ahead of Japan (115) and the United Kingdom (109). The Indian education system has long suffered due to its outdated curriculum, rigid evaluation methods, and overemphasis on rote learning. Students were taught to memorize information rather than think critically and solve real-life problems. This disconnect between education and innovation has historically constrained the Indian education system. To address this structural flaw, NEP emphasizes creativity, analytical reasoning, and conceptual clarity across all educational levels. By promoting research-oriented pedagogy, transdisciplinary thinking, and experiential learning, the policy aims to develop a new generation of creatives, innovators, and problem solvers who will drive the nation forward in a knowledge-based economy. Innovation is crucial for India's development objectives in the 21st century. Unlike nations like China, India's path to success must be paved with education, adaptation, innovation, and leadership. Future challenges, from digital infrastructure to green energy solutions, demand a workforce equipped with these skills. For example, second-tier engineering colleges in Uttar Pradesh, which once produced graduates for monotonous back-end services through rote learning methods, have now established an agri-tech incubation lab with modest funding from NEP's research grants. Students are using technology and AI models to collaborate with local farmers to design affordable soil health sensors, demonstrating development in action rather than mere schooling. India is no longer trying to follow Western innovations. Instead, it is developing its concepts to meet domestic needs and prepare for international markets. The shift from passive learning to active knowledge production has significant implications for India's economy. By building ideas tailored to its people and ready for global markets, India gains credibility in the global search for scalable, cost-effective breakthroughs and supply chain diversification. This inclusive growth fosters rural upliftment and job betterment without excessive industrial expansion or environmental burden. In the 21st century, intellectual infrastructure is as important as physical assets like bridges, highways, and power grids. According to NEP, developing creative minds capable of dreaming and delivering is crucial. Investments in research and higher education have a multiplying effect. For instance, a researcher could improve agricultural productivity by developing climate-resilient seedlings or revolutionize renewable energy access through effective battery storage. Indian language linguists could digitise and preserve cultural heritage, impacting the economy, governance, and society. The examples of countries like Israel, Finland, and South Korea, which have few natural resources but have invested consistently in science and education to become global economic leaders, serve as inspiration. India, with its democratic institutions and population advantage, is even better positioned to achieve similar success. The most beautiful aspect of NEP is its continuity, connecting the dots between school, higher education, and industry. Children exposed to creativity early on are more likely to take risks in college and innovate in their professional lives. Internships and fieldwork allow students to engage with real-world problems, mix streams, and pause and continue their learning. Additionally, NEP aligns with programs like Digital India, Startup India, and Skill India. Together, these initiatives provide a holistic development model, encouraging young minds to solve national problems, start businesses, and innovate. It is no surprise that India has emerged as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem with over 100 unicorns and many more to come. Behind every startup founder is a teacher who encouraged students to ask questions, an institution that promoted exploration, and a government policy that believed in young minds. NEP systematises this support, turning random efforts into intentional ones. The most significant feature of NRF is its inclusivity. Research in India will no longer be the domain of a select few. State institutions and rural schools, with NRF subsidies, will provide local solutions to local problems with global relevance. For example, a tribal student in Odisha studying traditional herbal medicine might discover a remedy with worldwide applications. A rural engineering graduate designing irrigation equipment for small farmers could influence global food security frameworks. By integrating modern science with indigenous knowledge systems, India has the opportunity to contribute to the development goals of the Global South. Including women and marginalised groups in the knowledge generation process, validating indigenous knowledge, and conducting research in Indian languages, NEP fosters democratic development. No reform is without challenges. Implementing policies across India's vast and diverse educational landscape will face obstacles such as a shortage of trained teachers, inequalities in digital access, and administrative resistance. It is crucial to monitor results, allocate NRF funds transparently, and avoid centralising research authority. Premature commercialisation is another risk. Education must not focus solely on economic gains. Research inherently involves experimentation, exploration, failure, and long-term planning. India must balance innovation for development with research for its own sake. As we move towards 2047, Viksit Bharat must become more than a dream expressed in policy speeches. It must become a shared national project where every teacher feels appreciated, every student is motivated, and every researcher feels encouraged. With around 400 million young people, India has the power to influence not only its future but also that of the entire world. We are building the future with intellect and purpose, using NRF as the ladder of opportunity and NEP as the compass. By 2047, if we remain dedicated, it will be common to see a doctorate candidate publishing research in a tribal dialect, a startup team tackling sustainable energy issues, and a rural girl conducting experiments in a community science lab. top videos View all Transforming science into a revolution, education into freedom, and policy into purpose means we are not just creating a developed country but building a creative and thinking nation—a nation with a vision. This must be the essence of Viksit Bharat. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. About the Author Dr Abhishek Ranjan Dr Abhishek Ranjan is Research Associate, Department of Political Science, University of Delhi. tags : National Education Policy (NEP) pm narendra modi view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 31, 2025, 10:16 IST News opinion Opinion | How Modi's NEP Is Fuelling India's 'Viksit Bharat' Dream Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
