PATNA, Feb. 10 -- Bihar governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Monday said that he was a supporter of the autonomy of universities, as it was envisaged to keep the institutions away from political interference and create a climate for institution building and intellectual freedom. "In fact, there should not be any need even for Chancellor's interference in universities. But there should be no room for arbitrariness, either. Everything should be as per the rule of law and with transparency. Autonomy needs to be deserved and earned through actions," he added. He was speaking at the Lok Bhawan at a function for the release of Magadh University's book 'Sunhare Kal ki Ore', which encapsulates the journey of the once problem-plagued university, marred by late sessions, campus indiscipline and erratic exams, to one that ushered in reforms to mend its ways in the last three years by getting the basic right. The Governor said that the importance should be given to institutions and there should not be a tendency of hero worshipping. "The institution should be strengthened for long term impact so that they could withstand sporadic aberrations. The leader's role is to able to identify the right people for the right job," he added. He said if Magadh University has been able to streamline the exam sessions, that means efforts have been made in that direction. "The role of universities is not just to award degree, but also character building, which goes far beyond classrooms, and development of good citizens," he added. The Governor, however, said that the intellectuals should not speak to suit high ups or situations. "They should not see which side of the bread is buttered; rather intellectuals are the ones who speak what is right even if it is discomforting. They should have the courage to point out if anything is wrong even to superiors, not try to read their face," he added. The special guests on the occasion, Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) VC KN Singh and recipient of Padma Shri Vimal Kumar Jain, said it was good to see MU turning a new leaf by way of new initiatives to set things in order. MU VC Shashi Pratap Shahi said that he was happy to share that during the last three years, the once erratic and extremely late exams schedule has been streamlined with the cooperation of all. "The admission process has been made transparent and regular academic activities and memorandum of understandings with national and international institutions has help develop academic ambiance," he added. Shahi said that after a long time the university could hold convocation and ensure digitisation of degrees for the convenience of students. "The Bihar government also provided support to meet the infrastructural needs," he added. A large of VCs, former VCs, professors, academicians were present on the occasion. Bihar ministers Ashok Choudhary and Dilip Jaiswal had also arrived for the function, but had to rush to the Vidhan Sabha due to their pressing engagement in the budget session....