(REOPENS CAL8)

Kumar expressed disappointment over recent selection of vice-chancellors in eight universities of Bihar by Governor Devanand Konwar without consulting the state government. "Twice the state government sent letter to the Chancellor (Governor) over the appointments but no consultation was done on the subject. The tradition of consultation with the state government over such an important issue (appointment of VC) seems to remain only in name," he said and described the situation as "painful". It seems that the role of the state government was of merely providing grant to the universities, Kumar said, adding, "We will not be responsible for the choice of VCs in the state." Patna High Court had recently passed an order cancelling appointment of VCs and pro-VCs of eight universities in the state, including that of Patna University, for want of consultation of the state government. The chancellor of universities has again appointed the same persons as VCs and pro-VCs in different universities.