Prof Arabinda Mondal appointed as new interim VC of Visva Bharati

Mondal, who had previously served as a member of the university’s Executive Council, replaces Prof Sanjay Kumar Mallik, who was appointed interim VC on November 8, 2023, following the completion of Prof Bidyut Chakraborty’s five-year term as full-time VC.

Mallik has been instructed to promptly transfer his responsibilities to Mondal.

Chakraborty’s tenure was marked by controversies, including the suspension of student leaders and teachers over academic disputes, as well as allegations of misusing university resources. There were also instances of protests and verbal spats with various stakeholders, including renowned economist Prof Amartya Sen.

Somnath Sow, a post-graduate researcher and senior student leader who was suspended during Chakraborty’s tenure, expressed optimism about Mondal’s appointment, describing him as a familiar figure who understands the university community.

Meanwhile, a Union education department official in Delhi informed PTI that the process of appointing a full-time VC is underway.

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