Minister Ashok Choudhary Takes on Academic Role at Patna College
In a significant development that bridges politics and academia, Bihar's Minister for Rural Work Development, Ashok Choudhary, was formally appointed as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at A N College, Patna. The official letter of posting was handed over to him by Patliputra University Vice-Chancellor Upendra Prasad Singh during a ceremony at the university headquarters on Monday.
Selection Process and Ceremony Details
This academic appointment follows Choudhary's successful selection by the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC) for the position in June 2025. According to PPU Registrar Abu Bakar, the handover ceremony was attended by both Choudhary and VC Singh, who together emphasized the crucial role of education and public service in driving Bihar's overall growth and development.
The minister's selection has generated considerable interest, noted VC Upendra Prasad Singh, particularly given Choudhary's active involvement in various developmental initiatives across the state. This dual role marks a unique convergence of political leadership and academic contribution within Bihar's institutional framework.
Choudhary's Personal Connection to Academia
Expressing his gratitude and commitment, Choudhary stated: "I am honoured to take on this new role and contribute to the academic community while continuing my duties as the state minister. In fact, it is a dream come true for my father, the late Mahavir Choudhary, who always wished to see me as a university teacher."
He further emphasized that his appointment should be viewed as a meaningful step toward bridging the traditional gap between political governance and educational advancement. By serving simultaneously as a minister and professor, Choudhary aims to bring practical governance insights into academic discourse while applying scholarly perspectives to public policy.
Broader Implications for Bihar's Development
The appointment represents more than just an individual career development. It signals a potential shift in how Bihar approaches integrated development strategies that combine political leadership with academic expertise. As both a minister responsible for rural development and now a political science professor, Choudhary is positioned to:
- Bring real-world governance experience into university classrooms
- Apply academic research methodologies to policy development
- Foster stronger connections between educational institutions and government agencies
- Serve as a role model for combining public service with academic pursuits
This development comes at a time when Bihar is actively working to enhance its educational infrastructure and quality while addressing rural development challenges. Having a serving minister directly involved in academia could potentially create new synergies between policy implementation and educational reform.
The appointment through the BSUSC selection process demonstrates that even prominent political figures must undergo standard academic selection procedures, reinforcing the importance of merit-based appointments in Bihar's higher education system.
