Patna College principal pick raises 'eligibility concerns'

Among the many firsts in the posting of principals in five colleges of Patna University, questions are being raised about Dr Anil Kumar, who has been posted at the iconic Patna College, set up in 1863.

- Arun Kumar

The questions have emerged a day after the university issued notification regarding the posting of new principals through a lottery method based on the recommendations of the Bihar State University Service Commission.

Kumar's name was also recommended for appointment as assistant professor of Chemistry by the BSUSC a few months ago at Patna University.

However, he did not appear for verification of documents on March 24, apparently anticipating his selection as principal. As a result, he was not allotted any college in PU. The final merit list for Chemistry had been announced by the commission on December 11, 2024, based solely on the interview, academic marks, and educational achievements.

For the post of principal, as per the statute approved by the Raj Bhawan, a professor/associate professor with at least 15 years of teaching/research experience in a university, college, or other institutions of higher education is the eligibility criterion.

Interestingly, the same commission that recommended him for the post of assistant professor also recommended his name for the post of principal after he furnished his certificate of experience and promotion to the rank of associate professor in a UP-based private college. Incidentally, he got the prime Patna University posting on both occasions.