Copyright timesnownews
West Bengal fills vacant VC posts across multiple state universities as Governor C V Ananda Bose has approved the appointments of vice-chancellors for several institutions. This decision comes as a significant step towards stabilising the leadership in state universities, which have faced prolonged vacancies. The newly appointed vice-chancellors include Prof Abu Taleb Khan at Biswa Bangla Biswavidyalaya and Prof Chandradipa Ghosh at Sadhu Ramchand Murmu University, Jhargram. Additionally, Prof Ashis Bhattacharjee will take the helm at the University of Gour Banga, while Prof Ashutosh Ghosh is set to lead the University of Calcutta. Other notable appointments include Prof Uday Bandyopadhyay at Kazi Nazrul University and Prof Chiranjib Bhattacharjee at Jadavpur University. The appointments, effective immediately, were announced by a senior official from the Raj Bhavan. Governor Bose, who also serves as the Chancellor of all state-run universities, expressed his confidence in the newly appointed leaders. Endorsement from Education Minister Following the announcement, Bratya Basu, the West Bengal Education Minister, affirmed that all appointees were the top choices of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In a post on X, Basu stated, "Today, in six more state government-aided universities, the Vice-Chancellors of the Honorable Chief Minister’s first choice have been appointed. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of them!" This endorsement marks a resolution to the previous tensions between the Education Minister and the Raj Bhavan over vice-chancellor appointments. The ongoing disputes had arisen after the terms of several full-time vice-chancellors expired, leaving universities without permanent leadership. Context of Leadership Changes The approval of these appointments signals a move towards aligning university leadership with the preferences of the state government. The state had faced criticism for the prolonged absence of permanent vice-chancellors, which affected the operational effectiveness of various institutions. The recent appointments aim to fill these vacancies and provide stability in governance within West Bengal’s state universities. With the new leadership in place, stakeholders hope for improved academic administration and a renewed focus on educational excellence. As the new vice-chancellors assume their roles, the education sector in West Bengal anticipates positive changes in university governance. The swift resolution of these appointments reflects the commitment of both the state government and the Raj Bhavan to enhance the educational landscape in the region.
