PATNA, Aug. 13 -- Bihar Governor-cum-Chancellor of Universities Syed Ata Hasnain on Wednesday said that newly-appointed assistant professors on a contractual basis in 211 constituent colleges can pursue PhD courses. The Governor added that special directives would be issued in this regard, according to a statement issued by the Governor's Secretariat, Bihar Lok Bhawan. Officials said it would be a big relief for the around 2,400 assistant professors recruited on contract basis in 211 constituent colleges recently as they can pursue higher studies and research along with their teaching work. At today's meeting with VCs, several key issues like ensuring timely academic session , putting degrees in digilocker, conduct of examination in a smooth manner and also ensuring adequate availability of teachers in universities were discussed. The Governor, during his interaction with VCs, also stressed on the wider use of Samarth portal in all state universities and uploading of data in the portal for data preservation. He further said that Samarth portal should be made the main digital platform for all operational, academic related works in the state universities. The Governor also stressed on the need for better communication with the students and youths and understand the aspirations of Generation G by creating a positive environment for them in the higher educational institutions. In the meeting, the Governor also talked of the importance of libraries and described how the libraries form an integral part of the academic quality of universities. The Governor urged the VCs to increase the timings of libraries and also review the facilities in the libraries so that students can take benefit of the books....