Jai Prakash Vishwavidyala (University) was established on 22.11.1990 by the enactment of Section 3(b) of Bihar State Universities Act, 1976 with its Head Quarters at Chapra, after Carving it out from the then, Bihar University (now B.R.A. Bihar University) Muzaffarpur. The territorial jurisdiction of the University is stretched over the whole of Saran Division Comprising three districts of Chapra, Siwan and Gopalganj. The Colleges situated in these districts were automatically transferred to Jai Prakash University, Chapra. There are altogether 21 constitute Colleges, 11 affiliated colleges in which 2 are deficit Grant Colleges (including one minority college). There are some proposed Colleges of which a few are professional colleges.
Earlier, all the above constituent Colleges now under J.P.University, Chapra were under the territorial jurisdiction of the then Bihar University, Muzaffarpur. These Colleges had been established and were functional much before the birth of J. P. University. Rajendra College, Chapra the oldest College (established in the year 1938) of this University, occupies a Special Status in the field of higher education. Bihar Govt. has decided to develop this college as Centre of Excellence and Community College also. All the Constituent Colleges are registered with the U.G.C. under Section 12(f) of the U.G.C. Act and are getting U.G.C. grants. Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India under special package to Bihar State has selected seven colleges of this University for improvement of laboratory etc. Each college will be given Rs. 50 lakh for this purpose.
There are altogether Seventeen P.G. Departments which have proved their excellence in imparting quality education in the field of Higher Education and providing opportunities to the Students in carrying out research works of international Standard coping with the need of the days.
The J.P. University, Chapra has achieved its success in translating its primary and provide quality education to the Students of this backward region of Bihar into practical reality. Now the Students of this region, who were unable to go to other Universities inside or outside the State and were compelled to discontinue their higher Studies due to financial constraints are finding themselves in a position to attain higher education & showing their worth, that in no way they are lagging behind the students of other regions.
As reported in several economic surveys conducted by the Government agencies as well as Several Academic Bodies and NGOs that the population of Saran Division Comprises large number of families whose economic Status touches the Poverty level. The University is striving hard to do away with the disparity between the poor and rich families not only by opening colleges in most backward & interior areas but encouraging these colleges introduce job oriented vocational courses with solitary aim to bridging the gap between education and financial status of the population of this region.
The students of Dalit & underprivileged communities are encouraged to achieve education under Distance Education Programmes of this University which is just like bringing the higher education to their doorstep.
The 242 acres of land on the eastern side of Chapra town for developing the campus of the Univeristy has been acquired. The campus is being developed according to the Master Plan prepared by internationally acclaimed town planners.
J. P. University, Chapra was recognized by the UGC but its constituent colleges were already recognized prior to the recognition of the University. Naturally, the University got allocation of UGC grants under the X Plan period to the tune of Rs. 80.50 lakh as development grant and Rs. 10.00 lakh as unassigned grant.
Under XI Plan, the University was allocated Rs. 5.00 crore as General Development Grant and Rs. 3.0125 crore as grant earmarked for Merged Scheme. Under GDG 2.5 crore has been spent on the construction of Science Block and Rs. 1.5 crore has been spent on Social Science & Language – Humanities Block. Rs. 1 crore of GDG allocated, the University has utilized for purchase of books, journals and equipments.
The University has received more than 50% of the total grants allocated under the XI Plan period for implementation of the Merged Scheme. Under this scheme, construction of Central Library building, Women’s Hostel, Indoor Stadium and Basic facilities for Women building has been started, and are at various stages of completion. After receiving grants from UGC within six months these buildings will be functional. The University is also serious about the projects for guest house, botanical garden, Lok Nayak J. P. Study Centre, Bhikhari Thakur Study Centre, Human Rights Study Centre, beautification of Jai Prakash University campus and making it green by tree plantations etc. It is also serious about planning the development of the University under the XII Plan period. During XII plan period UGC has released 1.25 crore in 2012 which has been utilized in purchasing of journals, books and equipments.
From the grant received State Government main road from University main gate to administrative building has been made. Construction of a Canteen has been started in the campus which has also been funded by the State Government.
Further support of the state Govt. as well of the other funding agencies will give momentum to the pace of multi dimensional development of the University and a new era will start for the students of this backward area in general & for the poor & underprivileged students in particular and they will have all opportunities to have a leap in the pursuit of higher education.
