Patna: Teachers and non-teaching employees of traditional universities across the state staged protests on Monday against the state govt’s proposed changes in the university Acts. They observed mass casual leave and held demonstration at university headquarters.At Patliputra University, teachers and employees marched from the College of Commerce, Arts and Science to the university headquarters and submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor. The delegation urged the university authorities to convey their concerns to the govt and safeguard institutional autonomy. Patna University teachers and staff also stayed away from their duties and staged a demonstration at the university office.Protesters warned that the proposed legislation could undermine the autonomy of universities and colleges and lead to excessive govt intervention in academic, administrative and financial matters. They argued that universities are centres of knowledge, research, independent thought and democratic debate, and any dilution of their autonomy could adversely affect the quality of higher education and academic freedom.Addressing a meeting at the Patna university headquarters, speakers said teachers and employees would continue their democratic and peaceful struggle to protect their rights and institutional autonomy.They demanded that the govt should hold comprehensive consultations with teachers, non-teaching staff, university administrations and other stakeholders before finalising the legislation. Protesters unanimously resolved to intensify their movement if their concerns were not addressed.
