Bihar's Education Overhaul: NDA Allies Voice Concerns Over Bill to Control Colleges
The Bihar government's plan to restructure higher education has encountered its first internal opposition, with lawmakers from within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) expressing reservations. In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, several members of the Bihar Legislative Council and Assembly—belonging to both the BJP and JD(U)—have urged the government to reconsider the draft legislation aimed at bringing undergraduate colleges under direct state control.
The proposed Bill, expected to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon session, seeks to transfer authority over approximately 500 constituent colleges offering undergraduate degrees from the state Governor (who serves as Chancellor of state universities) to a newly formed higher education department. Under the new structure, the Chancellor would retain control only over postgraduate courses.
Lawmakers opposing the move argue that it undermines the autonomy of universities and could disrupt the existing academic framework. They have called for broader consultation before any legislative changes are enacted. The memorandum highlights concerns about the potential for increased politicisation of education and the risk of weakening the quality of undergraduate programmes.
Meanwhile, supporters of the Bill contend that it will streamline administration and improve accountability by centralising oversight. They point to similar reforms in other states and argue that the current system, where colleges are affiliated with multiple universities, leads to inefficiencies.
The debate comes amid broader efforts by the Bihar government to modernise its education sector. Chief Minister Choudhary, who inaugurated a new Government Degree College in Bhagalpur this week, has emphasised the need for structural reforms to enhance access and quality. However, the internal dissent from NDA allies suggests that the path to reform may not be smooth.
Analysts note that the issue touches on constitutional principles, as the Governor's role as Chancellor is derived from the state's university acts. Any change would require careful legal drafting to avoid conflicts. The opposition parties have also criticised the Bill, accusing the government of trying to concentrate power.
As the monsoon session approaches, all eyes are on how the state government navigates this delicate political terrain. The final shape of the legislation will depend on the outcomes of further consultations and the ability of the NDA to maintain cohesion on the matter.
