Bengal Governor appoints interim VC of another state-run university despite Mamata Banerjee’s threat to block funds

The move from the Governor came hours after Chief Minister Banerjee alleged that he was interfering in the state’s education system and threatened to sit on a dharna outside Raj Bhavan if he continued to function in the same manner.

On Sunday, Bose appointed interim VCs of seven universities, including Presidency University, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) and Burdwan University. A day later, he also initiated the process of appointing VCs in seven other state universities.

Banerjee Tuesday said VCs must be picked from the names suggested by the state government-appointed five-member search committee. She also threatened to block funding to all universities that followed the Governor’s directions in a tit for tat move.

“If you interfere with any university or if any university or college takes your order, I will create economic obstructions. Tit for tat. No compromise. Let me see how you pay the salaries of university staff. We never interfere in the education system,” Banerjee had said.

Her statement came three days after Raj Bhavan issued a circular saying that university officials were not mandated to take direct orders from the state government or execute them without the knowledge and consent of the vice-chancellor.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Bratya Basu has summoned vice-chancellors or registrars of 31 state universities at Bikash Bhavan on Friday (September 8) to hold a meeting over the ongoing tussle over the control of such institutions.

Reacting to the latest development, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said, “He is taking decisions without consultation with the state government. This is not only unfortunate but unjust. We do not approve such moves.”

BJP spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya, however, said the Governor is taking decisions in the best interest of the education sector. “He has nothing but the interest of the universities and students in mind. That’s why he is taking such decisions to ensure the institutes of higher education remain functional. We welcome such moves.”