September 6, 2023
Introduction
In a move that underscores the escalating tensions between the Governor and the Chief Minister in West Bengal. Professor Kajal De has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor (officiating) of Kanyashree University in the Nadia district. The late-night appointment, which occurred just fifteen minutes past midnight, follows a contentious standoff between the state’s political leaders.
This appointment came on the heels of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s stern warning that she would block funds to state-run universities if they complied with the orders of the Governor, Jagdeep Dhankhar. Banerjee also threatened a sit-in protest outside Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor.
The Raj Bhavan in Kolkata issued a statement announcing Professor Kajal De’s appointment as the Vice-Chancellor (officiating) of Kanyashree University. It’s worth noting that the Governor serves as the chancellor of all state-run universities in West Bengal, adding a layer of complexity to this power struggle.
Conflict not in Isolation
The conflict in West Bengal is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger pattern seen in non-BJP ruled states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Bihar. In these states, similar disputes have arisen between governors and state governments over control of state-controlled universities.
The core issue revolves around the extent of the governor’s role in the administration of universities. State governments argue that the governor should play a nominal role, while the governor, as the chancellor, asserts a more active role in university affairs.
Chief Minister Banerjee’s recent threat gets prompted by a circular from Raj Bhavan. By stating that university officials should not take direct orders from the state government without the knowledge and consent of the vice chancellor.
This conflict has been simmering in West Bengal since 2019 when former Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar assumed office. More recently, the situation escalated when the Governor assumed the role of acting vice-chancellor in 14 universities with vacant positions, drawing the ire of the ruling Trinamool Congress government.
Conclusion
Kanyashree University, Professor Kajal De was appointed there. It was established in 2020 and is located in Krishnanagar, the principal city of Nadia district, approximately 100 kilometers from Kolkata. As tensions persist, the administration of universities in West Bengal remains a contentious issue, with political implications that extend beyond the academic sphere.
