PhD holders and guest assistant professors protesting in Patna marched towards Lok Bhavan on Saturday, nearly three weeks into their indefinite hunger strike. The protesters gathered at the R Block intersection and raised slogans against the state government while demanding changes in the rules governing appointments in higher education.
The protesters are seeking implementation of UGC rules for the appointment of professors, an increase in the upper age limit and withdrawal of proposed rules they say could affect the future of guest faculty. During the march, some protesters climbed barricades as security personnel tried to control the movement towards Lok Bhavan.
The agitation has continued for 19 days, with the protesters maintaining that guest faculty members who have worked for several years should not be removed without adequate consideration of their experience and service. The movement has also begun receiving support from political leaders and teachers.
Guest Faculty Raise Concerns
Dr Nikhil Kumar, who is participating in the protest, said guest assistant teachers continue to work under uncertainty because their appointments are temporary.
He said the protesters were marching towards Lok Bhavan not only for their own demands but also over concerns about the future of higher education. Kumar said the government should hear their concerns and allow them to present their demands peacefully.
Assistant Guest Professor Dr Nitin Kumar said many guest assistant professors were initially appointed for 11 months but have continued working for several years.
He claimed that some teachers have been associated with the education system for around eight years and argued that their experience should be taken into account before any decision is taken regarding their continuation.
Demand For UGC Rules
At the centre of the protest is the demand that appointments to teaching positions should follow UGC norms. The protesters are also seeking an increase in the age limit and opposing changes proposed by the Bihar government.
The protesting PhD holders say the new rules could create uncertainty for experienced guest faculty and affect their employment prospects. They have therefore been demanding that the government reconsider the proposed framework.
The issue has attracted political attention as well. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has previously extended support to the protesting PhD holders and called for guest faculty to be given priority.
Security Tightened In Patna
The administration increased security arrangements in and around the R Block area ahead of the Lok Bhavan march. More than 100 security personnel were deployed at the R Block intersection.
Police deployment was also increased at various intersections on the route towards Raj Bhavan. Rapid Action Force personnel were brought in as authorities prepared for possible law-and-order concerns during the protest.
Water cannons were also stationed at the site as a precautionary measure. Officials monitored the situation closely as protesters attempted to proceed towards Lok Bhavan.
The march comes as the PhD holders' indefinite hunger strike enters its 19th day, with the protesters continuing to press the Bihar government over recruitment rules, age limits and the future of guest faculty in higher education.
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