Governor Syed Ata Hasnain said Bihar’s higher‑education system must evolve quickly to match the state’s youthful demographic, emphasizing skill development, digital literacy and stronger governance.
Governance and Academic Standards Under Review
In an interview, the former army officer highlighted the need for clearer leadership in universities. He noted that “a clear focused vision… makes it not difficult to actually change things,” echoing his belief that institutional focus can drive reform.
Hasnain pointed to central institutions such as the Chanakya Law University, the National Law University and Nalanda University as “outstanding examples of centres of excellence.” He suggested that state colleges could learn from these models, especially in academic calendars, examination timing and the timely release of results.
He stressed that information‑technology platforms, including the Samarth portal, must be supported with training and technical assistance. “We have to align the new education policy with the systems of all our universities,” he said, highlighting the need for capacity‑building.
Leadership appointments also feature in his agenda. The governor called for “competent vice‑chancellors” and professional handling of transfers and postings, arguing that empathy and professionalism are essential for institutional credibility.
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Turning Youth Demographics into Economic Opportunity
Bihar’s median age of about 26‑27 makes it the youngest state in the country, accordingstrong>the governor. He argued that converting this “demographic dividend” into real growth depends on marrying academic credentials with practical skills.
He warned that traditional subjects alone cannot guarantee employability. “It is not important to just look at the normal conventional subjects … and be happy with that,” Hasnain said, urging the inclusion of commerce, economics and information‑technology training.
Digital ecosystems present a “huge scope” for expansion. Higher‑education institutions could become key players in preparing students for technology‑driven jobs, thereby supporting Bihar’s broader economic goals.
Public‑private partnerships were highlighted as a way to improve infrastructure and placement outcomes. Industry collaboration can provide equipment, internships and faculty interaction, reducing reliance on government funding alone.
He also mentioned the importance of public perception, noting recent improvements in law and order, infrastructure and tourism, such as the development of the Nalanda corridor and Patna’s museums.
While many young Biharis have succeeded elsewhere, the governor said the state must ensure “high‑quality opportunities … within Bihar itself” so that students need not travel far for a comparable education.
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Internship programs were cited as a concrete step forward. Hasnain recalled his own experience at the National Disaster Management Authority, where undergraduate interns gained valuable exposure during six‑to‑eight‑week placements.
He expressed a personal interest in hosting a small group of interns at Lok Bhawan to study higher‑education reforms and then share their findings with colleges across the state, describing it as “two‑way traffic of education.”
Regarding the National Education Policy 2020, the governor acknowledged that its implementation is underway but not complete. Many institutions are still transitioning from older academic systems, and he highlighted multidisciplinary education, skill integration and flexible pathways as key benefits.
He called for a review of university governance bodies, such as the Senate and Syndicate, to ensure they align with merit‑based practices and institutional reform.
Overall, the message to students, especially women and young professionals, was one of optimism. He reminded them of Bihar’s historic contributions, naming figures like Chanakya and Aryabhatta, and urged them to focus on both degrees and “communication ability” to become effective ambassadors for the state.