Bihar Raj Bhavan Steps In: State University Accounts Unfrozen After Standoff

The Bihar Raj Bhavan has intervened to resolve a standoff between the education department and state-run universities. The Raj Bhavan has directed banks to de-freeze the accounts of the universities, which were frozen due to the alleged absence of vice-chancellors from a review meeting.

In a significant development, the Bihar Raj Bhavan has intervened in the ongoing standoff between the state's education department and vice-chancellors of state-run universities. The Raj Bhavan, which serves as the official residence of the governor, has written to banks to overrule an education department order that had frozen the accounts of all state-run universities, except one.

Raj Bhavan Orders Defrosting of University Accounts

The move by the Raj Bhavan comes after vice-chancellors of the universities allegedly failed to attend a recent review meeting convened by the education department. In response, the education department had taken the drastic step of freezing the bank accounts of the universities and withholding the salaries of their vice-chancellors.

However, the Raj Bhavan has now stepped in to defuse the situation. Robert L Chongthu, the principal secretary to the governor who also serves as the chancellor of state universities, has directed the banks to immediately de-freeze the accounts of the universities. The letter from the Raj Bhavan clearly states that the chancellor governor has ordered the withdrawal of the education department's orders.

Education Department's Action Sparks Controversy

The education department's decision to freeze the bank accounts of the universities and withhold salaries had sparked widespread criticism and concern. Vice-chancellors of the affected universities expressed their shock and dismay at the department's actions, arguing that they had valid reasons for not attending the review meeting.

The education department's letter to the vice-chancellors had sought clarification on their absence from the meeting, which was called to discuss pending examinations and other important issues. The letter warned that if satisfactory replies were not received within two days, FIRs would be lodged against the authorities, and salaries of vice-chancellors would remain withheld. Additionally, banks were instructed not to operate any accounts of the universities until further notice.

Police Complaint Filed Against VC

Amidst the escalating tensions, the Darbhanga District Education Officer, Samar Bahadur Singh, submitted an application to the University Police station seeking a police complaint against the vice-chancellor, examination controller, and other officials for failing to attend the recent meeting called by the education department.

Education Minister Unavailable for Comment

Despite attempts to reach him, Bihar Education Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary was unavailable for comment on the issue. The ongoing standoff between the education department and state universities has created uncertainty and disruption in the academic community, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.