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.

The decisions were taken as part of the state's efforts to address faculty shortages and improve academic administration in higher education institutions. Officials said the measures are expected to enhance the quality of teaching and ensure smoother implementation of education reforms envisioned under the National Education Policy.

One of the most important announcements is the recruitment of 700 assistant professors for government colleges across the state. For several years, many institutions have been functioning with a shortage of permanent faculty members, relying heavily on guest lecturers and temporary arrangements. The proposed recruitment drive is expected to provide much-needed academic support and improve student-teacher ratios in colleges.

The government has also decided to fill the posts of regular principals in colleges. A large number of institutions have been operating under interim or additional-charge arrangements, affecting administrative efficiency and long-term planning. Education officials believe that the appointment of regular principals will strengthen institutional leadership and improve governance at the college level.

The expansion of the National Education Policy is another key component of the government's latest decisions. The policy aims to bring structural reforms in the education sector by promoting multidisciplinary learning, skill development, flexibility in academic programs and greater use of technology in teaching and learning processes.

According to officials, the expansion of NEP-related initiatives is intended to align higher education institutions in Chhattisgarh with national education goals. Colleges are expected to gradually adopt reforms related to curriculum design, credit systems, vocational education and student-focused learning models.

The government has also indicated that concerns raised by guest faculty members will be examined. Guest lecturers have repeatedly sought better service conditions and greater job security, arguing that they play a crucial role in maintaining academic activities in institutions facing faculty shortages. Officials said the demands of guest faculty members are under consideration, although no final decision has been announced yet.

Education experts have welcomed the recruitment proposal, noting that faculty shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing higher education institutions in many states. The addition of permanent teaching staff is expected to improve classroom instruction, research activities and academic outcomes.

The move comes amid growing emphasis on strengthening state universities and colleges to meet rising enrolment levels and changing educational requirements. With increasing demand for higher education, institutions have been under pressure to improve infrastructure, faculty strength and academic quality.

Political observers also view the announcement as an important governance initiative, particularly because education remains a key public concern. Recruitment of teaching staff and administrative reforms in colleges are likely to benefit students across urban and rural areas of the state.

The Higher Education Department is expected to release detailed guidelines regarding the recruitment process and implementation roadmap in the coming months. Aspirants awaiting teaching opportunities in government colleges are likely to closely monitor further announcements.

With the latest decisions, the Chhattisgarh government has signalled its intent to strengthen higher education through faculty recruitment, administrative reforms and wider implementation of the National Education Policy. The success of these initiatives, however, will depend on timely execution and effective implementation at the institutional level.