JU Crisis: Uncertainty Surrounds Police Outpost Proposal as Faculty Supports Student Opposition

Synopsis

The proposal for a police outpost at Jadavpur University is facing significant opposition from both faculty members and students, creating uncertainty about its approval. The JUTA and SFI have expressed concerns over the implications of increased surveillance on campus.

Key Takeaways

Faculty Opposition: A large part of the faculty rejects the police outpost proposal.
Surveillance Concerns: Claims have been made that the outpost seeks to enforce constant surveillance.
Political Implications: Faculty support for students complicates the proposal's approval process.
Minister's Clash: The proposal follows a recent clash involving a state minister.
Governor's Intervention: The Governor has indicated a willingness to intervene if legal issues arise.

Kolkata, March 20 (NationPress) The proposal by Kolkata Police to establish a police outpost on the grounds of Jadavpur University (JU) is now shrouded in uncertainty as a significant portion of the faculty has aligned with students in opposing this initiative.

The Jadavpur University Teachers Association (JUTA) on Thursday dismissed the proposal, asserting it undermines the institution's rich heritage. Reflecting student apprehensions, JUTA argued that the police outpost is intended to facilitate continuous surveillance on campus.

Political analysts suggest that with faculty backing the students, it may prove challenging for the university administration to endorse the proposal.

Previously, the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student faction of the CPI(M), pledged to resist the establishment of the outpost. "We contend that the outpost is designed to foster conflict rather than alleviate it. This is the genuine agenda of the state administration," stated SFI West Bengal state secretary Debanjan Dey.

Additional pressure on the university's administration regarding this matter has been compounded by a pointed remark from Governor C.V. Ananda Bose last week, in which he made it clear that he would take action if the police proposal breached the current legal framework.

"It is the responsibility of the university authorities to reach a decision, but it must align with existing regulations. Should any irregularities arise, I will step in as Chancellor of the university," he remarked.

The police outpost proposal was initiated following an altercation on campus in the first week of this month when State Education Minister Bratya Basu's vehicle was reportedly halted upon entering the campus, leading to a confrontation.

The students were calling for immediate elections for the university's student council.

The protesting students claimed that while Basu opted to leave the campus amidst the protests, his vehicle intentionally struck two protesting students, resulting in serious injuries that necessitated hospitalization.

During the protests, the Minister sustained minor injuries and was subsequently taken to the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital for treatment, from which he was later discharged.