Conflict erupts over University leadership appointments in West Bengal

Education Minister Defends Governor's Role

In the midst of an ongoing dispute between the West Bengal government and Raj Bhavan  (the Governor's residence) regarding the appointment of interim vice-chancellors at state universities, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has stepped in to voice his perspective. He emphasizes that the Governor is simply carrying out his designated responsibilities.

Governor Appoints Interim Vice-Chancellors

Governor CV Ananda Bose recently took the initiative to appoint new interim vice-chancellors for all 16 state-run universities in West Bengal. This action sparked tension and opposition from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who threatened to impose "economic barriers" on these universities if they complied with the Governor's decisions.

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National norms for Vice-chancellor appointments

Minister Pradhan underlined that the process of appointing vice-chancellors is consistent across the country, with chancellors playing a pivotal role in this procedure. He also referred to guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC), emphasizing the need to shield education institutions from undue influence by state governments.

In summary, the conflict in West Bengal revolves around the appointment of interim vice-chancellors at state universities, with the Governor and the state government locked in a dispute over their respective roles. Minister Pradhan supports the Governor's actions and highlights the national norm where chancellors oversee vice-chancellor appointments, as guided by the UGC's principle of preserving educational autonomy from political pressures.

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