Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has issued a strong directive to all newly established degree colleges across the state: ensure a minimum of 75% student attendance. This mandate comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of higher education and address the significant exodus of students seeking opportunities outside Bihar.
Boosting Higher Education Infrastructure
Addressing an orientation program for 2,451 newly appointed assistant professors at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna, CM Choudhary emphasized that while expanding infrastructure is crucial, it is insufficient without active student participation. The state recently marked a historic milestone by launching 211 state-run degree colleges simultaneously, accompanied by the appointment of thousands of new faculty members.
"Until children come and study in your colleges, the importance of that college will not be realized. Ensure that 75 per cent of students attend your college under all circumstances so that you can teach them," the Chief Minister stated, highlighting the necessity of regular classroom engagement.
Tackling Student Migration
Choudhary pointed out that approximately 8 to 10 lakh students from Bihar currently leave the state for higher education elsewhere. The expansion of degree colleges aims to provide quality educational opportunities closer to home, thereby reducing this migration. The 75% attendance rule is seen as a critical component to ensure these new institutions are effectively utilized and contribute to better academic outcomes.
Global Training for Professors
In a related initiative, the state government announced plans to send around 100 of the newly appointed assistant professors for specialized, one-month training at prestigious global institutions like Oxford University. Bihar will cover all associated costs, aiming to equip educators with modern teaching methodologies and enhance their professional capabilities.
Enforcement and Future Outlook
The Chief Minister assured that monitoring mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure consistent student attendance. Some universities within Bihar, such as JP University in Chapra, have already begun strictly enforcing the 75% attendance norm, linking it directly to eligibility for examination forms. This signals a concerted push to institutionalize the rule across the state's higher education landscape, with the ultimate goal of offering quality education and a new direction for Bihar's youth.