Bengal Governor Ananda Bose to move Supreme Court over control of state universities

The Supreme Court will be approached to determine who holds the ultimate authority over state universities — the chancellor (governor) or the state government,” Bose has been quoted as saying

In yet another rift between the West Bengal government and the Raj Bhavan over higher education governance, Governor CV Ananda Bose on July 26 (Saturday) said he plans to seek clarity from the Supreme Court on whether ultimate authority over state universities lies with the chancellor (governor) or the state government.

The move comes after a meeting between Bose and vice chancellors (VCs) of state-run universities at the Raj Bhavan, convened to address key issues in the state’s higher education sector. The meeting was attended by nine VCs, with most others remaining absent.

According to PTI, several VCs who skipped the meeting claimed they faced obstructions from the higher education department, while others alleged they were gheraoed or faced hostile conditions on campus. Some sought appointments with the governor to explain their absence, reported PTI.

Sources in Raj Bhavan told PTI that absenteeism has not been taken lightly.

“This is an issue that requires clarification. What is the role of the chancellor or the role of the government? The Supreme Court will be approached to determine who holds the ultimate authority over state universities — the chancellor (governor) or the state government,” Bose has been quoted as saying at the Raj Bhavan.

The meeting had a wide-ranging agenda, from digital reforms and manpower gaps to implementation of NEP 2020 and awareness on cybersecurity and drug addiction.

With inputs from PTI