VC Selection Committee Under Fire: The All Bengal Principals’ Council (ABPC) has written to former Chief Justice of India U.U. Lalit, who currently heads the committee tasked with selecting vice-chancellors (VCs) for 15 state universities in West Bengal.
In its letter, the council questioned the inclusion of a senior Raj Bhavan staffer in the panel, arguing that his presence might compromise the impartiality of the selection process. Since the Raj Bhavan functions directly under the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of state universities, the council feels this raises the possibility of bias. The appeal stressed that VC appointments are pivotal for academic governance, requiring a process beyond suspicion. Given the recent friction between the Governor and the Chief Minister over university appointments, this move underscores the need to insulate academia from political contestations.
(Raj Bhavan, Kolkata – Wikipedia)
Concerns Over Member with Pending Allegations
The council also objected to the participation of a former vice-chancellor who was removed from office following allegations of corruption. According to academics, including members of the ABPC, the credibility of the selection process is at stake if individuals with pending charges are entrusted with choosing the next generation of university leaders.
The presence of such figures raises questions about whether the process prioritizes integrity and merit over political or personal considerations. Transparency advocates argue that the panel should not only include eminent personalities but also ensure that their records are clean and beyond reproach. By voicing these objections, the ABPC has sought to remind decision-makers that the credibility of institutions rests heavily on the leadership they produce.
(University Grants Commission – Regulations)
VC Selection Committee Under Fire: Eligibility Criteria Under Scrutiny
Adding to the controversy, the ABPC flagged that one candidate shortlisted for the post of vice-chancellor at Sanskrit College and University does not fulfill the mandatory requirement of having a minimum of ten years’ experience as a professor. The Principals’ Council noted that such statutory requirements are non-negotiable and cannot be bypassed, even under special circumstances. Allowing ineligible candidates to be considered, they argue, would undermine not only the process but also the legitimacy of the institution itself. Sanskrit College and University, known for its heritage and academic contribution, requires a leader whose credentials are unimpeachable. The council’s intervention highlights how crucial it is for the selection committee to adhere strictly to legal frameworks and established academic norms.
(Sanskrit College and University – Wikipedia)
Trust Deficit Between State and Academia
The present controversy is part of a larger tussle between the state government and the Governor over control of higher education in West Bengal. The Governor, as Chancellor, has often clashed with the state education department over the appointment of vice-chancellors, leading to prolonged vacancies and administrative delays across several universities. This has created uncertainty in academic and administrative functioning, directly affecting faculty and students.
The ABPC’s intervention can be seen as an attempt to restore faith in the system by demanding that academic integrity be placed above political convenience. Observers note that unless such trust deficits are addressed, higher education in Bengal risks losing its edge, despite its long history of excellence and intellectual contributions.
(Higher Education in India – Wikipedia)
Implications for the Future of University Governance
The unfolding developments have implications beyond just the 15 universities currently under consideration. They bring into sharp focus the larger debate about autonomy, transparency, and accountability in higher education governance in India.
Experts suggest that reforms may be necessary to prevent political interference in university appointments, including setting up independent search committees with broader academic representation. As interviews for the shortlisted candidates continue, pressure is building for the authorities to revisit the process and ensure that selections are not only legally sound but also perceived as fair and unbiased. This episode could serve as a turning point, forcing policymakers to rethink how universities are governed in the state and beyond.
(Education in West Bengal – Wikipedia)
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