College Principals Appointed by Lottery: A Bold Change in Patna University

In an unprecedented initiative, five colleges under Patna University appointed their principals through a lottery system, a move defended by Bihar Governor and university chancellor Arif Mohammed Khan. On Thursday, he emphasized the impartiality of the method, aimed at removing personal biases from the appointment process.

The appointments, recommended by the Bihar State University Service Commission, saw Nagendra Prasad Verma, Anil Kumar, Alka, Suheli Mehta, and Yogendra Kumar Verma take positions at various constituent colleges. This lottery system, directed by the governor, responded to earlier complaints about irregularities in principal postings across universities.

The process did, however, stir controversy as opposing political parties questioned its efficacy. Critics like CPI(M) legislator Ajay Kumar argue that it challenges the goal of providing quality education. Meanwhile, JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar urged against politicizing the decision, asserting that it rested solely with the university chancellor.

(With inputs from agencies.)