Will Continue Fighting For A Corruption And Violence-Free Academia: Bengal Governor

The statement from the West Bengal governor comes following the tussle between the state government and the governor of the appointment of interim VCs in West Bengal State Universities.

Tussle between West bengal Government and Governor Bose intensifies over appointment of interim VCs in Bengal State Universities

Source : twitter.com/BengalGovernor

West Bengal Governor CV ANanda Bose has said that he shall continue his battle to make state universities free of corruption and violence. The West Bengal governor asserted his commitment towards the cause through a video message on Thursday, September 7, 2023. The governor’s statement follows amid tussle between the West Bengal government and the governor over the appointment of interim vice-chancellors in state universities. "I want universities in the state to be free of violence and be the best in India," governor CV Ananda Bose was reported as saying by news agency PTI. 

The governor further promised in the name of Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Shubhash Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda that he shall continue fighting for a corruption- free academia in the state. 

“I have appointed them as the apex court ruled against some of the appointments earlier made by the state government," governor CV Ananda Bose was quoted as saying by news agency PTI on the appointment of interim VCs in state universities by the Raj Bhawan. There were allegations of corruption, sexual harassment and political interference against some VCs who were earlier appointed. Five VCs who resigned told me in confidence that they received threats," he was further reported as claiming. 

While the West Bengal governor has appointed interim Vice Chancellors in Bengal state universities which don’t have one, the state government has accused the governor of interfering in the functioning of state run universities. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has also hinted at a possible ‘economic blockade’ in universities which function as per the governor’s instructions. "Let us see in which university you (Raj Bhavan) are able to pay salary (to the vice chancellor)," Mamata said recently, hitting out at the governor. 

In the meanwhile teachers bodies in West Bengal have expressed concerns over Mamata’s statement hinting at economic blockade of universities running as per the governor's instructions, and have called for discussions between the Raj Bhawan and the state government, to find an amicable solution to the matter. 

(With Inputs from PTI)