In a significant development, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has ousted Buddhadeb Sau, the interim Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University, leading to upheaval ahead of the university’s annual convocation. The governor’s decision, attributed to complaints regarding an “illegal” convocation, sparked immediate effect as preparations were underway for the event.
An official statement released on Saturday announced the withdrawal of authorization granted to Prof. Buddhadeb Sau to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor’s office at Jadavpur University. This directive, detailed in the notice CU/WB/22/23 dated August 17, 2023, will take immediate effect, shaping the university’s imminent proceedings.
Amidst preparations for the annual convocation scheduled for December 24, uncertainty loomed as the governor withheld permission for the university’s crucial court meeting, essential for conducting the convocation ceremony.
Governor Bose’s decision stemmed from student complaints, alleging that their parents’ hard-earned money was being expended on an “illegal” convocation. This dissatisfaction contributed to the revocation of authorization, leading to the removal of the interim Vice-Chancellor.
This recent upheaval follows prior controversies that engulfed Jadavpur University earlier this year. The tragic death of first-year student Swarnodip Kundu, purportedly from a fall in the university’s hostel, stirred widespread outrage and allegations of ragging. Kundu, hailing from Nadia district in West Bengal, was a student of the Bengali Department.
The incident sparked condemnations, with Kundu’s family alleging the student fell victim to ragging, provoking extensive discussions and uproar across the state. Education Minister Bratya Basu implicated Governor CV Ananda Bose in the aftermath, attributing responsibility for the student’s demise at Jadavpur University to him.
The removal of the interim Vice-Chancellor and the controversies preceding the convocation have injected further tensions into the atmosphere at Jadavpur University, raising pertinent questions about governance, student welfare, and administrative responsibilities within the institution.
Sources By Agencies