In the midst of a dispute in Bengal over the procedures for choosing vice-chancellors (VC) of state institutions, Raj Bhavan issued a press release on Friday implying that the governor, Dr CV Ananda Bose, will continue to serve as interim VC of universities in Bengal where vacancies exist.
According to the notice, Bose, in his capacity as chancellor, has opted to execute the functions of the VCs in these universities till new interim VCs are appointed.
Raj Bhavan reported that students at a few West Bengal state universities whose VC positions are vacant are having difficulty obtaining degree certificates and other documentation.
"To provide them relief, the Honourable Governor of West Bengal has decided to discharge the duties of the VCs in these Universities until new interim VCs are appointed," the press release stated.
They can also meet the governor in person in the Rajbhavan, during the tour, or in the circuit houses by registering online for the 'Amnesame' programme while on tour.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bose will make frequent visits to universities to meet with students until the openings are filled.
This comes at a time when Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration is at odds with Raj Bhavan over the appointment of state university vice chancellors.
Earlier in June, Raj Bhavan issued a press release announcing that the Governor, in his capacity as Governor, appointed at least 11 interim vice-chancellors for a number of institutions, including the University of Kalyani, the University of Burdwan, The Sanskrit College and University, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Kazi Nazrul University, Dakshin Dinajpur University, the University of Calcutta, Jadavpur University, Bank State Education Minister Bratya Basu, on the other hand, called the decision "illegal."
Education Minister Bratya Basu again publicly condemned Governor Bose’s decision to undertake the responsibilities of VC for vacant seats.
The state government is of the opinion that Dr. Bose has no legal standing to appoint VCs of state varsities.
“I have nothing more to say that I haven’t said before. I hope the Supreme Court takes cognizance of the fact that Bengal governor is working according to his whims and fancies.” Basu said.
He further questioned, “I want to understand which law allows him the right to do what he is doing?”
The TMC government also indicated that if the governor continued his “lawlessness”, the state might opt for legal options. “We will look at legal measures if he continues to do so,” he concluded.
On Thursday, the governor appointed Dr. Raj Kumar Kothari as officiating vice-chancellor of the West Bengal State University.
