CM Nitish Kumar Inaugurates New Patna University Buildings Amid Student Unrest
Patna: In a significant development for higher education infrastructure, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed administrative building and academic building (faculty of arts) of Patna University. The ceremony, held on the university campus, saw the CM unveil the foundation plaque and cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of these crucial facilities.
Substantial Investment in Educational Infrastructure
Both buildings represent a substantial investment of Rs 147 crore in strengthening Patna University's physical infrastructure. Following the formal inauguration, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted a thorough inspection of both structures, examining the arrangements and facilities available to students and staff.
"With the strengthening of the university's academic infrastructure, it will be easier to further improve the education system here and conduct administrative functions in an organised manner," the chief minister stated after the inauguration. "At the same time, students will be able to get quality academic environment and facilities."
Student Protest Mars Inauguration Ceremony
Minutes before Nitish Kumar's arrival on campus, the event was disrupted by a group of protesting students who created a ruckus and raised slogans against one of the deputy chief ministers. The students also voiced their dissatisfaction with the Patna administration, expressing annoyance that they had not been formally invited to the inaugural program.
Patna University Students' Union president Shantanu Shekhar confirmed that students received no information about the inaugural program. "We were not given any information about the inaugural programme," Shekhar stated. "Even the vice chancellor was not invited to the event."
As the student protest continued, eyewitnesses reported that the main inaugural program was wrapped up in just eight to ten minutes, significantly shorter than originally planned.
Architectural Details and Operational Changes
An official provided detailed information about the new structures: "The administrative building is G+8 and the academic building is G+9. After their inauguration, the headquarters of Patna University will be shifted to the new administrative block."
The official further explained the operational changes: "All the post-graduate departments currently operating in the Darbhanga House will now be shifted to the academic building. Along with this, the Commerce College will be shifted to the Darbhanga House for the time being."
Distinguished Gathering at the Event
The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries including:
- Both deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha
- Higher Education, Education and Science Technology and Technical Education Minister Sunil Kumar
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar
- Secretaries to the Chief Minister Kumar Ravi and Chandrashekhar Singh
- Secretary of Higher Education Department Rajeev Raushan
Other senior officials, faculty members, and students were also present on the occasion, though the student presence was marked by protest rather than celebration.
The event highlighted both the government's commitment to educational infrastructure development and the ongoing communication gaps between university administration and student bodies that continue to create tension during important institutional milestones.
