WB: Govt Stops Salaries, Allowances of Interim VCs Recently Appointed by Governor

Kolkata: The conflict between the West Bengal government and Governor has now peaked. The state government has stopped the salaries and allowances of the universities where the Governor appointed temporary Vice-Chancellors.

The Raj Bhavan strongly opposed the government's directive. Teachers' organisations have also criticised the move.

Governor CV Anand recently appointed temporary Vice-Chancellors (VCs) for 14 universities in the state in two phases. First, he appointed three temporary VCs. After that, VCs were appointed in the same manner in 11 universities. These universities include Jadavpur University, Calcutta University and Gour Banga University, among others.

Last Tuesday, the state government's higher education department sent notices to the registrars of 14 universities where the Governor has appointed interim Vice-Chancellors. According to the notice, the Governor cannot directly appoint VCs without consulting the state government. That has to be done through the higher education department. The state government stopped the salary and allowances allotted to them.

In this context, Raj Bhavan said, "The matter is under trial. Hon'ble High Court knows all. Those who act hastily, ignoring the High Court, may have to repent later."

Calcutta University Teachers Association (CUTA) general secretary Sanatan Chattopadhyay told People’s Reporter, "Nowadays, the higher education system of West Bengal has become a battleground of two constitutional institutions. As a result of this, education and educational institutions are suffering. We want to free education from this hegemonic struggle. Stopping salaries and allowances in this way is not a good sign."

Jadavpur University Teachers Association (JUTA) general secretary Parthapratim Roy said the situation has arisen due to the illegal appointment and non-appointment of a full-time vice-chancellor on time as per the law by the state government.

"JUTA believes this directive is a blatant display of government power, which seeks to establish its authority through intimidation. This may increase government control over educational institutions, but the situation will not change positively for the overall interest of education. This kind of move is practically an insult to the teaching community due to the sick tussle of the government and the Acharya."

Education Minister Bratya Basu had earlier deemed the appointments illegal.

"According to the Supreme Court's order, the vice-chancellor should be appointed in consultation with the state's higher education department. Besides, as per University Grants Commission or UGC rules, 10 years of working experience as a professor should be required. Most of those who are recruited do not have this qualification."

The education minister also requested the newly appointed temporary VCs to reject the appointment. But except Professor Sauren Bandyopadhyay of Gaurbang University, all others have accepted the charge of interim VC.

Shanta Dutta was appointed as interim VC of Calcutta University. Dutta said in reference to the higher education department's order to freeze salaries, "The 166-year-old Calcutta University was suffering greatly due to the absence of a vice-chancellor. In that situation, the Governor ordered me to take charge. I am handling that responsibility. As vice-chancellor, I am not worried about salary or allowances being stopped."