Banaras Hindu University is in the process of transforming its administrative machinery into a more effective, responsive and efficient one. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain has set up a three-member committee for reviewing and relooking the current structure and functioning of the administrative set up and suggesting measures for improving its responsiveness and efficiency. 

As part of the consultations an open House Session on “System, Culture, and Values in University Governance” was organized at Senate Hall of Swatantrata Bhavan. The Committee chaired by Sh. Pawan Agrawal, (Retd. IAS) Former Secretary, Government of India, interacted with Directors, Deans and senior functionaries of the university and sought their suggestions in light of the current challenges. Sh. Parag Prakash, Former Deputy Comptroller & Auditor General, Government of India, and Sh. R. D. Sahai, former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India, are the members of the committee. Dr. Sunita Chandra, Joint Registrar, who is the secretary of the committee conducted the open house session. 

Interacting with the members of BHU, Mr. Pawan Agrawal said that BHU has no dearth of talented and competent people, however, there is a greater need to better utilize their collective potential. He said that institutional integrity is of utmost importance and there should be zero tolerance for lack of integrity. He opined that trust among various segments of the university be it students, teaching staff or non-teaching employees, is very important. He added that while working for any institution one must move ahead with a problem solving approach and an orientation towards results. Mr. Agrawal highlighted the importance of strengthening the internal communication system in the university. He said that students must be the focus of the functioning of any educational institution and any deviation from that can not be accepted. 

The key speaker of the session Prof. Rajeev Sangal, renowned academic administrator, former Director IIT-BHU and former Vice-Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University, shared his thoughts on how to make the functioning of a university effective and efficient. He said that the functioning of a university depends on three layers which are Systems & Processes, Culture and Values. Prof. Sangal said that focusing on all the three layers is a must to establish a good system that contributes in taking the institution forward and make it excel in the longer run. He highlighted several important aspects like dialogue among constituents, common decision making, grievance redressal, creating a positive atmosphere etc. for developing a healthy work culture in the institution. 

Chairing the session Rector Prof. V. K. Shukla said that as times change institutions must also evolve. He said that it is the vision of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain which has resulted in the ongoing process of administrative reforms. He exuded confidence that Banaras Hindu University is poised to achieve new heights of growth and glory with such reformative measures. Prof. Mukul Raj Mehta presented the vision of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain and highlighted the areas where more focus is required. He said that Prof. Jain has time and again reiterated that students must be at the core of university’s functioning. 

Later in the day, the committee also visited the Mahila Mahavidyalaya and interacted with students and faculty of the college. Members of the committee asked the students what challenges they were facing in the course of their studies and using the facilities available for them. They also sought suggestions from students to make things smooth and convenient so that the time meant for their education and research is not wasted. 

The committee has been visiting different offices and departments and holding interactions with various stakeholders in order to suggest measures and a better administrative set up. 

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Kumar Jain has reiterated the need to have a robust and responsive administrative structure of the university in order to save precious time and efforts of faculty and students which may otherwise be used for achieving academic and research excellence. The exercise of bringing in administrative reforms in Banaras Hindu University is a significant move in this regard.