Politics · India · 42 mins ago
Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary faces review over university teaching post
Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary joined a college as an assistant professor while serving as a member of the state legislative council, or MLC.
The appointment has raised questions about whether holding the teaching post while serving as a legislator creates an “office of profit” issue.
Choudhary joined on February 17 and sought unpaid leave the next day, but officials questioned whether leave could be granted during his probation.
The university’s syndicate rejected his request on August 19, citing state law, and sent the matter to Lok Bhawan for an opinion.
Lok Bhawan referred the case to Bihar’s advocate general, who said he would discuss the legal issues with university and governor’s office officials before deciding.
Choudhary said he applied because he believed there was no bar on an MLA or MLC applying for the post, and that he received government clearances.
The advocate general’s review will help determine how the appointment and leave request should be handled.
Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary is facing legal scrutiny over joining as an assistant professor while serving as a member of the state legislature.
The matter, which raises questions about an “office of profit,” has been referred to Bihar’s advocate general, SD Sanjay.
Pataliputra University’s syndicate declined to approve Choudhary’s request for leave without pay.
Officials have also questioned whether he could join the post while serving as a legislator and during the probation period.
Choudhary said there was no bar on an MLA or MLC applying for the position and that he received government clearances.
- Who
- Bihar minister and MLC Ashok Choudhary, and Bihar advocate general SD Sanjay.
- What
- Choudhary’s appointment as an assistant professor is under review over legal questions, including whether it creates an “office of profit.
- When
- He joined on February 17; the year is not stated. The university syndicate considered the matter on August 19; the year is not stated.
- Where
- At a college under Pataliputra University, Bihar.
- Why
- Questions were raised about Choudhary holding the post while serving as an MLC and whether he could take leave during probation.
Bihar officials raising legal concerns
Ashok Choudhary
Appointment and leave
Bihar officials raising legal concerns
The university syndicate declined to approve his leave request, citing the Bihar State Universities’ Act, 1976; an official questioned his joining and eligibility for leave during probation.
Ashok Choudhary
Choudhary said there was no bar on an MLA or MLC applying for the post and that he received government clearances.
Choudhary began serving as an MLC.
Choudhary joined as an assistant professor and sought leave without pay the following day.
Pataliputra University’s syndicate considered the leave request and declined it.
The matter was proposed for referral to Lok Bhawan, which sent it to the advocate general.
- Position
- Assistant professor at a college under Pataliputra University
- Current legislative role
- Member of the Bihar Legislative Council
- MLC term
- March 17, 2021 to March 16, 2027
- University law cited
- Bihar State Universities’ Act, 1976
- Reviewing official
- Advocate general SD Sanjay
What people are saying
I will discuss all the aspects before arriving at a decision. I have called the Secretary to the Governor, Pataliputra University VC and others for discussion on the matter, as there are legal issues involved,
I applied for the post as there was no bar on MLA/MLC from applying. Just because I am Ashok Choudhary, some people are after me,