Bengal Governor to Address Campus Violence with CM: VCs Informed
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Synopsis
West Bengal Governor C.V Ananda Bose will discuss increasing campus violence and substance abuse with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This follows recent unrest at Jadavpur University where students were injured during protests. The Governor also emphasized the need for CCTV and mental health services.
Key Takeaways
- Governor C.V Ananda Bose to meet CM on campus violence.
- Concern over rising incidents of violence and substance abuse.
- Meeting called after Jadavpur University unrest.
- Emphasis on installing more CCTV cameras.
- Importance of mental health support services highlighted.
Kolkata, March 7 (NationPress) West Bengal Governor C.V Ananda Bose on Friday assured the vice-chancellors of state-run universities that he would discuss the escalating incidents of campus violence with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. A participant from the meeting noted the Governor's concern regarding two significant issues: the surge in campus violence and the widespread use of addictive substances within university grounds.
The meeting was called in response to disturbances at Jadavpur University on March 1, where two students were injured and required hospitalization after allegedly being struck by the vehicle of West Bengal's education minister, Bratya Basu.
During the meeting, the Governor acknowledged that violence occurs in universities across other states, but emphasized that this should not be accepted as the norm for West Bengal.
He particularly stressed the need for installing a sufficient number of CCTV cameras on campuses and ensuring the availability of mental health support services.
The Governor remarked that it is crucial for the state government to take these issues seriously, although he declined to provide further details until he confers with the Chief Minister.
A total of 18 vice-chancellors attended the meeting, with 10 present in person and 8 participating virtually.
The unrest at the university occurred when the Minister's vehicle was reportedly halted as it entered the campus, leading to a scuffle between students demanding immediate elections for the student council.
Students accused Minister Basu of deliberately injuring two protesters with his vehicle while attempting to leave the campus amid the protests, resulting in their serious injuries and hospitalization.
In the course of the unrest, the Minister sustained minor injuries and was taken to S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital, where he was later discharged.
