A group of students and teachers at Jadavpur University (JU) is threatening to initiate a protest if the ongoing controversy over the appointment of a regular vice-chancellor is not resolved promptly.

The situation became complicated when Professor Buddhadeb Sau was removed from the position of officiating VC by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on December 23, just a day before the university’s annual convocation. Although Sau was permitted by the state’s higher education department to host the convocation, confusion remains as he was absent from his office on Tuesday when the university reopened after the winter break.

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) are expressing discontent with the disruption in academic and administrative activities due to the impasse. They have warned of launching an agitation if the matter is not resolved soon.

SFI leader Tisa Bhandari emphasized the need to end the prolonged uncertainty caused by the governor’s action. The SFI plans to stage demonstrations once semester exams conclude.

JUTA’s General Secretary, Partha Pratim Roy, expressed concerns about the disruption of administrative work and stated that the association would initiate a movement if a full-time VC is not appointed promptly.

The governor had earlier termed the JU convocation “unauthorised and unlawful,” while the education department argued that, given the pending matter of the appointment of full-time VCs in state universities before the Supreme Court, Sau cannot be removed by the governor.

The situation raises worries about the validity of certificates signed by Professor Sau at the convocation, prompting demands for the immediate appointment of a regular VC to ensure the future of the students is not compromised.

Source: PTI

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