Patna: In a significant move to enhance technical education and research in Bihar, all students of the state’s engineering colleges will now have free online access to books and academic resources from national-level libraries. This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bihar Engineering University (BEU) and INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network), a leading digital platform connecting libraries of prominent educational institutions across India.
During the signing ceremony, Education Minister Sunil Kumar emphasized the Bihar government’s commitment to integrating technical education with knowledge, research, and innovation. He said that platforms like INFLIBNET would provide students and researchers with high-quality academic resources. “Government engineering college students will now have access to all essential academic material from top institutions in India and abroad at a single platform,” he stated. The initiative aims to make technical education more transparent, quality-driven, and widely accessible.
Access to Reliable Academic and Research Resources
Dr. Pratima, Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, highlighted that this initiative would enable students to access reliable and updated academic and research material in one place. The digital resources are expected to enhance the quality of students’ projects, theses, seminars, and research work. Previously, students had to rely on multiple sources for research materials, but now, this network will provide a comprehensive repository for academic needs.
Read also: Bihar Makes Geo-Spatial Approval Mandatory for DPRs of Infrastructure Projects Above Rs 50 Crore
Strengthening the Academic Ecosystem
Professor Sureshkant Verma, Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Engineering University, described the MoU as a “milestone” for the state’s technical education system. He noted that the agreement would strengthen the academic and research ecosystem across the university and its affiliated colleges, allowing them to be part of a national digital academic network.
INFLIBNET, headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, connects the libraries of major engineering, medical, and other academic institutions digitally. Through this platform, a student at one institution can access the academic material available in another institution’s library, all at no cost.
Benefits for Students Across Bihar
Following this MoU, students from all affiliated engineering colleges in Bihar will have access to a range of services including Shodh Ganga, Shodh Shuddhi, One Nation One Subscription, and others. These services provide seamless access to national and international e-journals, e-books, and other academic resources, facilitating research, innovation, and higher-quality academic outputs.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Registrar of Bihar Engineering University, and Prof. Devika P. Madali, Director of INFLIBNET. The event was attended by Ahmed Mahmud, Director of the department, Prof. Sureshkant Verma, Vice-Chancellor of BEU, and other senior officials.
This initiative is expected to transform research capabilities, promote innovation, and modernize technical education in Bihar, making the state a hub for digitally empowered learning in engineering and technology.
Read also: Bihar Revenue Officers to Hold Public Hearings Twice a Week Under ‘Sabka Samman – Jeevan Aasaan’
