Patna: Two vice-chancellors have volunteered to hold classes in response to chancellor and Governor Satya Pal Malik's directive.

Speaking at the monthly meet of VCs at Raj Bhavan on Saturday, the governor had asked VCs having sound academic background to take classes that can not only benefit students, but also inspire teachers to be regular in taking classes. The idea is to check irregularity of teachers at colleges and universities.

Based on the chancellor's directive, Patliputra University VC Gulab Chand Ram Jaisawal and Munger University VC Ranjit Kumar Verma have decided to take at least one class a week.

Prior to appointment as Munger University VC, Verma had served as a senior chemistry teacher at Magadh University and has also written several books in chemistry. "I have decided to take at least one class a week," Verma said. "My first class is slated for Thursday at RD & DJ College in Munger. I will take physical chemistry class." He claimed it would be motivating for students and teachers if the university head takes classes.

Patliputra University VC Gulab Chand Ram Jaisawal has also decided to take two classes a week. Prior to his appointment as VC of Patliputra University, Jaiswal had served as proctor in the faculty of commerce at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He will be taking classes for management students. "I have decided to take two classes in management department in a week," Jaiswal said. "Apart from taking classes, I am ready to clear doubts of students anytime." The university is yet to finalise a timetable for Jaiswal to hold classes.

Sources said the chancellor's directive to VCs to take classes assumes importance as on several occasions the chancellor has raised the issue of teachers' irregularity in taking classes. Even VCs have observed that teachers are irregular in taking classes, because of which students bunk classes. Teachers' irregularity is more prevalent in rural areas. Students, too, have welcomed the move. Mritunjay Shahi, a student of College of Commerce, Arts and Science, said: "If VCs take classes, other teachers who are irregular in classes can follow him and will be regular in taking classes."

"We have seen very few VCs taking classes despite having sound academic background," said a senior Patna University teacher on condition of anonymity. "The VCs are not taking classes as they are burdened with administrative work and having little time to take classes."