It was decided at the meeting of its Board of Governors held in Rajgir on Monday that classes will start from September 2014 in two faculties: School of Historical Studies and Archaeology and Environmental Studies and Ecology. The process for selection of faculty for the two courses has started.

The meeting was presided over by the Board’s chairman and University’s Chancellor Amartya Sen. Except two, all the members of the Board were present at the meeting.

Later briefing mediapersons the Chancellor conceded there had been some delay but things would be back on schedule. The teaching would start at the facilities provided by the state government.

According to him the Board also decided to finalize the architectural designs for the University in May next. Eight firms from across the world have submitted their designs for selection and the work is likely to start from November.

Former foreign minister of Indonesia Dr Hasan Wirajuda was also present as a special invitee. He will be a member of the International Advisory Committee headed by former foreign minister of Singapore George Yeo with Thai Princess and an ex-foreign minister of China as members.

The Board formed another committee on endowment. This would be headed by Rajya Sabha MP of JD (U), N K Singh. The committee would take the initiative for funding from corporate and private sectors in a bid to minimize its dependence on Government of India. More faculties will be introduced as per the availability of funds.

Those who attended the meeting are Sugata Bose (Harvard University), Prapod Assavavirulhakarn (Thailand), George Yeo (Singapore), Tansen Sen (City University of New York), Lord Meghnad Desai (London School of Economics), Susumu Nakanishi (Japan), N K Singh, Gopa Sabharwal, VC, and Sanjay Singh, secretary in the ministry of external affairs. Two members Wang Gungwu of Singapore and Wang Bangwei of China could not attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, sceptics have once again questioned the way things are going on here. “Ever since the then President A P J Abdul Kalam proposed the establishment of University more than five years back nothing has been done, even the boundary walls are yet to be completed. Afer every meeting we hear the announcement of commencement of classes. How can a University of international reputes run when both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor live hundreds or even thousands of kilomentres away. The Board meetings have just become a pleasure trip to Rajgir,” commented one of them while talking to BiharTimes.