West Bengal Governor Vows to Eradicate Corruption and Violence in Universities
In a video message shared by the Raj Bhavan, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose declared his determination to eliminate corruption and violence from the universities in the state. As the chancellor of the universities, Mr. Bose expressed his ambition to make them the best in India.
With unwavering resolve, he pledged in the names of Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda to fight against corruption until the very end. Mr. Bose asserted that he had the support of ten crore brothers and sisters who shared his vision for corruption-free campuses and an education system of integrity.
Controversy Surrounding Interim Vice Chancellor Appointments
The governor’s statement comes amidst an ongoing dispute between the Raj Bhavan and the TMC-led state government over the appointment of interim vice chancellors. As the ex-officio chancellor of all state-aided universities, CV Ananda Bose has been selecting his preferred candidates for the role in recent months.
Explaining his decision to appoint interim VCs, Mr. Bose revealed that the Bengal education ministry had previously made their own appointments. However, the Supreme Court deemed these actions as illegal, forcing all the vice chancellors to resign. In response to this situation, the governor stepped in and made interim appointments, which were later validated by the Calcutta High Court.
Challenging the Nominees of the West Bengal Government
Mr. Bose addressed the issue of his inability to appoint candidates nominated by the state government as interim vice chancellors. He cited reasons such as corruption allegations, accusations of harassing a female student, and engaging in political activities. In a passionate plea, he questioned whether interim VCs should be individuals with questionable ethics and emphasized the importance of integrity and respect for students.
The governor also highlighted that five vice chancellors appointed by him had allegedly faced harassment from the TMC-led state government. According to Mr. Bose, these vice chancellors mentioned instances of threats from goons, intimidation by the education ministry, and pressure from senior IAS officers. He emphasized that their resignations were driven by fear and coercion, with no involvement or request from his part.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Mr. Bose’s commitment to eradicating corruption and violence in universities stems from his sincere desire for the education system to flourish in West Bengal. He firmly believes that campuses should be free from any form of corruption and that students should have access to quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
By taking decisive action to appoint interim vice chancellors, the governor aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the leadership of universities. His vision aligns with the aspirations and hopes of millions of West Bengal residents who desire a corruption-free education system that upholds the values of Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda.
As this contentious issue between the Raj Bhavan and the state government unfolds, it remains to be seen how the higher education landscape in West Bengal will be shaped. However, one thing is certain: Governor C.V. Ananda Bose’s resolute determination to fight corruption and violence will be a driving force in bringing about positive change in the state’s universities.
Related Articles:
Ragging at Jadavpur University: A dark history of violence and impunity