In a departure from conventional selection procedures, the appointment of principals to five colleges of Patna University was conducted on Wednesday through a lottery-based system, a move officials say was aimed at ensuring “transparency and neutrality”. The decision, overseen by the Raj Bhawan, conducted the draw of lots under videographic surveillance, supervised by a three-member panel, said official sources, adding that the lottery was “limited to the allotment of colleges only”. According to sources associated with the process, the decision to allot colleges via lottery was a preventive measure against lobbying and undue influence. “The candidates were recommended by BSUSC based on their merit cum choice. The lottery was conducted solely for the purpose of allotting colleges, not for selecting these candidates themselves. It was done to prevent any partiality or corruption,” a source familiar with the process explained. The move, insiders said, was also intended to neutralise potential pressure from powerful quarters. “Among the selected candidates in BSUSC, there were several high-profile individuals, including relatives of senior government officials and bureaucrats. To avoid potential pressure for securing placements in preferred colleges, the Raj Bhawan opted for a randomised system to ensure fairness,” the source said. Among the newly appointed principals is Dr Alka Yadav, a home science teacher from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, who has become the first woman principal of Patna Science College in its nearly century-long history. Similarly, Dr Suheli Mehta has taken charge at Vanijya Mahavidyalaya, also becoming the first woman to head the commerce institution. Magadh Mahila College, a women-only institution, will be headed by Professor N P Verma, a history professor from Jai Prakash University. Sources said this is only the second time a man has taken charge at the college, with the previous instance being short-lived. Patna College, a cradle of Patna University established in 1863, will now be headed by Dr Anil Kumar, a chemistry professor from Uttar Pradesh, marking the first time a science faculty member has been appointed to lead the traditionally arts-focused college. Professor Yogendra Kumar Verma has been allotted to Patna Law College. Traditionally, college principals are appointed directly by the vice-chancellors. However, in the wake of past controversies over alleged favouritism in appointments across Bihar’s universities, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, in his capacity as Chancellor, mandated the lottery method to oversee postings from the BSUSC panel. Despite the rationale offered, the move attracted some backlash, with some senior academics expressing concern over the mismatches in academic backgrounds and institutional requirements. One of the appointees, Dr Suheli Mehta, who had earlier topped the BSUSC merit list, had approached the Patna High Court challenging the use of lottery in the appointment process, but later withdrew the petition, clearing the path for the Raj Bhawan to proceed with the postings. The selection and appointment process in other universities, including Pataliputra University, is also reportedly underway and will be done under similar guidelines issued by the Chancellor’s office. Sources said that Patna University had not made regular commission-recommended principal appointments for about 15 years due to administrative and legal delays, with many colleges being managed by interim principals during this period. Similarly, BN College remains under the incumbency of its long-serving principal, Raj Kishor Prasad.
