We will amend Act to make Chief Minister as Chancellor of universities: WB Education Minister

West Bengal government has decided that all state-run universities will have the CM as Chancellor, and not Governor.

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu (pic source: Twitter)

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu has said that the state government has to nominate Chief Minister as the Chancellor of all State universities, replacing Governor. The proposal will be introduced in the state assembly to amend the existing Act.

There has been a continuous fight between the State government and Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar related to various matters including appointments at universities. Making the announcement, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu said: “Today we have taken a decision that all state-run universities will have the CM - and not Governor - as the Chancellor. This will be taken to the Assembly for the Act to be amended.”

Earlier in December last year also Basu hinted at the proposal due to differences between the Governor, who is the Chancellor of state universities and state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

In December 2021, Dhankar questions the appointment of vice-chancellors of 24 state universities and termed it illegal. Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar also warned of action if they were not recalled, while the ruling Trinamool Congress termed the statement beyond his jurisdiction.

Barring a few exceptions like Visva-Bharati, the President of India is the Chancellor of most of the central universities, and the Governors are the Chancellor of state-run universities.

Read More:

• DA-IICT introduces M.Sc in Agriculture Analytics
• CUET-PG 2022: JNU, PU, CUPB issues notifications for admissions