Bihar Researchers Protest Enters Day 17

Researchers in Bihar have been protesting for 17 days, demanding fair recruitment of assistant professors in the state's universities. The protest, which began at Gardanibagh in Patna, has seen some researchers go on hunger strike to exert pressure on the Bihar government.

The protesters are seeking the implementation of Table 3A of the UGC Regulation 2018 in the recruitment of assistant professors. They also want the maximum age limit to be increased to 55 years and the recruitment of assistant professors in universities to be made permanent and regular.

The state convenor of the All PhD Holders and Research Scholars of Bihar, Kumud Patel, is leading the agitation. Despite his worsening health due to an indefinite hunger strike, Patel remains firm on the demands. He accused the state government of ignoring the demands of researchers and youths, saying that no concrete steps have been taken so far.

The protesters have planned a march to Lok Bhavan on August 22 to intensify their agitation. The decision to expand the protest was taken in view of the government's alleged inaction. The Bihar Jan Suraaj Party has expressed its support for the protesting researchers, with its president Manoj Bharti claiming that the recruitment process for new teachers introduced by the Bihar government contradicts UGC provisions.

Bharti said that the weightage given to PhD marks in the evaluation process for recruiting teachers in degree colleges has been reduced from 30 per cent to 11 per cent, which is against UGC rules. The protesters have also demanded an effective domicile policy, an end to alleged encroachment on the autonomy of universities and colleges, and service protection or service adjustment for guest assistant professors who have been working for several years.

The protest has entered its 17th day, with the researchers showing no signs of backing down. The march to Lok Bhavan on August 22 is expected to further intensify the agitation. The Bihar government has not yet responded to the demands of the protesters.

The protest has highlighted the issues faced by researchers and academics in Bihar. The demands of the protesters are seen as genuine, and the government is expected to take concrete steps to address them. The agitation has also brought attention to the need for fair recruitment practices in universities and colleges.

The outcome of the protest is still uncertain, but the researchers remain hopeful that their demands will be met. The march to Lok Bhavan on August 22 is expected to be a significant event, and the government's response to the protest will be closely watched.

In conclusion, the protest by researchers in Bihar has entered its 17th day, with the protesters planning a march to Lok Bhavan on August 22. The demands of the protesters are genuine, and the government is expected to take concrete steps to address them. The agitation has highlighted the issues faced by researchers and academics in Bihar, and the need for fair recruitment practices in universities and colleges.