Lack of proper classroom maintenance
Chemistry Department Reforms · Magadh University
Chemistry Department Reforms
Magadh University · Gaya, Bihar · before & after my complaint
My time in the Chemistry Department at Magadh University became much more than an academic journey. It evolved into an experience of identifying institutional issues, raising formal complaints through appropriate authorities, and witnessing several visible changes that followed.
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Chemistry Department Reforms at Magadh University
My Experience and the Changes That Followed
When I joined the department, I observed what I believed were significant shortcomings in academic administration and basic student infrastructure. In my opinion, these issues were affecting both the quality of education and the overall learning environment.
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Examination Integrity
One of the most serious concerns I observed related to the conduct of examinations.
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Step 1
According to my experience, departmental examinations were being conducted before the prescribed syllabus had been adequately completed. I also believed that students were frequently allowed to refer to notebooks and, in some instances, mobile phones during examinations, which compromised the fairness of the evaluation process.
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Step 2
Initially, I raised these concerns directly with the departmental authorities and requested stronger examination monitoring. However, I felt that my concerns were not receiving adequate attention.
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Step 3
As a result, two days before the examination, I submitted formal complaints to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gaya, and the District Magistrate (DM), Gaya, requesting intervention regarding examination integrity and campus monitoring.
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Step 4
According to my observations, CCTV cameras were installed in the department shortly before the examinations were conducted. This decisive action was a direct result of the complaints filed, and it marked a significant step toward restoring examination integrity.
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📹 CCTV Installation · after complaint to SSP Gaya
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Infrastructure and Student Facilities
Beyond examination practices, I also found that several basic student facilities required significant improvement.
Among the issues I observed were:
Poor cleanliness in classrooms
Inadequate washroom facilities
Limited library access and maintenance
Insufficient laboratory infrastructure
Absence of a functional common room
Believing that these conditions were not consistent with the standards expected from a public university, I submitted representations to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, requesting improvements.
Following these representations, I observed several changes within the department, including:
Improved classroom cleaning
Cleaned and reorganized library facilities
Installation of a modern Western-style toilet
General campus cleanliness improvements
Upgraded flooring with polished tiled surfaces
Better overall maintenance of academic spaces
These developments represented meaningful improvements to the physical learning environment.
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A Conversation I Still Remember
One incident remains particularly memorable.
Before many of these changes took place, a laboratory assistant remarked to me:
“Ye sarkari department hai. Yahan aisa hi hota hai. Kuch nahi badalne wala.”
“Badalne wala hona chahiye. Change to sab hota hai.”
For me, that conversation represented an important principle—that public institutions can improve when concerns are raised through proper legal and administrative channels.
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Academic Concerns
After CCTV surveillance was introduced, I personally felt that the department faced new challenges in conducting examinations under increased monitoring.
In my opinion, the quality and level of some examination papers did not adequately reflect postgraduate academic standards. Based on my experience, I believed that certain assessments appeared significantly easier than expected for a university-level programme.
This further strengthened my concern regarding the overall academic quality of the programme.
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My Decision
Ultimately, after evaluating the academic environment, research opportunities, and overall educational standards, I decided to discontinue my studies at the institution.
Although the decision was difficult, I believed it was the right step for my academic and professional growth.
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Lessons Learned
This experience reinforced several beliefs that continue to guide my professional life:
- Institutions can improve when citizens responsibly use legal and administrative mechanisms.
- Constructive criticism can lead to positive institutional change.
- Academic integrity should never be compromised.
- Students deserve clean, safe, transparent, and well-maintained educational environments.
- Real leadership often begins with asking difficult questions and pursuing accountability through proper channels.
— Aniket Bhardwaj, Educator · Researcher · Entrepreneur
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