Patna University has decided to make research work mandatory for teachers to improve the teaching-learning process.

The new directive is for all teachers, including PhD holders, but it is mandatory for postgraduate teachers. Teachers would have to submit a list about the research work they are pursing, which will be maintained by the university and the departments concerned.

The directive reads: “Teachers, especially department teachers, must involve in research activity and they should apply for research projects. For the postgraduate department teachers, it is compulsory and mandatory.”

The directive is to make teaching-learning process interesting because while pursing research work, teachers can impart new topics to students.

Welcoming the decision, a senior geology teacher at Patna Science College, M.N. Sinha, said: “The initiative is a welcome step. But good results could be seen only if it is implemented properly.”

Sources said more than half the teachers in the university doesn’t pursue research work, claiming they are overburdened with teaching jobs because the university has inadequate teachers at colleges and postgraduate departments. Against the sanctioned strength of 885 teachers in Patna University, the present strength is 384.

A senior teacher at Darbhanga House said: “Apart from shortage of teachers, lab facility at the university is ill-equipped. Many departments have not purchased machines for years.” At present, University Grants Commission (UGC) provides funds to the university. For minor research work, a teacher gets Rs 3 lakh, while for a major research project Rs 10 lakh is provided.

Patna University pro-vice-chancellor Ranjeet Kumar Verma said: “We know there is shortage of teachers but for quality teaching research is essential. Even the UGC states that postgraduate teaching in universities should include 40 to 60 per cent research work.”