Bihar Education Department Reverses University Account Freeze Following Court Order

The education department in Bihar has withdrawn its controversial orders to freeze the bank accounts of state universities and withhold salaries following directives from the Patna High Court. The move follows a high court order barring the department from taking coercive actions against universities and their officials.

The Bihar Education Department has rescinded its contentious directives to freeze state university bank accounts and withhold salaries of vice-chancellors and officials. This reversal follows recent mandates from the Patna High Court.

The High Court had previously directed the department to halt coercive actions, including salary holds and account freezes, against state universities and their officials.

Education Department Secretary Baidya Nath Yadav communicated the withdrawal to state-run universities' VCs, aligning with the court’s instructions.

Previously, the department had issued the freeze order for non-compliance during a review meeting, sparing only Darbhanga Sanskrit University.

Meanwhile, Bihar Governor Rajendra V Arlekar emphasized the department's obligation to provide sufficient funding for universities, further calling for separate deans for academics and research to enhance institutions' development.

Education Minister Sunil Kumar echoed the governor's sentiment, hoping that collaboration would drive significant improvements in higher education.