Patna: Universities in Bihar are preparing vision documents outlining their academic and institutional development plans for the next five years.At least two universities will meet chancellor Syed Ata Hasnain every week to present their vision documents and discuss the roadmap for the development of their respective institutions, including the strategy for effective implementation.State higher education director Navin Kumar Agrawal said the directive was issued during the meeting of vice-chancellors held at Lok Bhavan on March 30.Agrawal said the chancellor had instructed the universities to come prepared with detailed development roadmaps supported by a structured execution plan.He said universities would also have to provide details of the work completed so far using the resources provided by the govt. Authorities would review whether the funds were properly utilised for the projects for which they were sanctioned.“It is generally found that the universities approach the government with new proposals without utilizing the previous grants fully and properly,” he said.Agrawal added that when a university submits a proposal for introducing a new course, the authorities would first examine whether the existing courses are functioning properly.Regarding the introduction of new job-oriented programmes, the vice-chancellor concerned would have to specify the status of existing professional courses in the institution. Since students pay a substantial amount for self-financed courses, they must receive proper skills and knowledge in the subject, he said.The university would also have to report the placement status of students after completing their studies.“If the state government is convinced that the university is ensuring proper conduct of the course followed by good placement of students, only then it will be allowed to introduce any new course,” Agrawal said.He added that institutions of higher education in the state must ensure that classes are held according to the timetable, examinations are conducted soon after the completion of courses, results are announced on time and degrees are awarded within the prescribed timeframe.Agrawal said all universities would also undergo academic audits from time to time in the larger interest of students.
