Academic vs. Politician: The Debate Over University Chancellors in West Bengal

Teachers' associations in West Bengal advocate for academics rather than politicians to serve as Chancellors of state universities. Despite President Droupadi Murmu denying bills to replace the governor with the chief minister as Chancellor, teachers stand firm on their stance for an academic appointee.

In West Bengal, a debate is raging over who should head the state's universities as Chancellor. Two prominent teachers' associations have voiced their opinion that an academic, not a politician, should hold this position.

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu withheld assent to several amendment Bills that aimed to replace the governor with the chief minister as Chancellor. This decision means Governor C V Ananda Bose will remain in his role under existing laws.

Subhoday Dasgupta of the West Bengal College and University Teachers Association and Partha Pratim Roy, General Secretary of the Jadavpur University Teachers Association, both emphasize the importance of an academic leading universities. They argue such a leader would better navigate the challenges faced by higher education institutions.