JU's Acting Vice-Chancellor Dismissed Just Days Before Retirement

Synopsis

The acting vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University, Bhaskar Gupta, was dismissed just days before his retirement, surprising many. The decision was made by the West Bengal Governor, and speculation suggests it may relate to recent campus unrest.

Key Takeaways

Bhaskar Gupta relieved of duties four days before retirement.
Order issued by C. V. Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal.
Gupta remains a professor at the Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering Department.
JU will have no head for daily administration until a new appointee is named.
Speculation suggests a link to recent campus disturbances.

Kolkata, March 28 (NationPress) The acting vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University (JU), Bhaskar Gupta, has been dismissed from his role just four days ahead of his retirement.

The directive for Gupta's removal was issued on Thursday by the West Bengal Governor C. V. Ananda Bose, who also serves as the chancellor for all state universities, including JU.

The order stated, "The authorization granted to Professor Bhaskar Gupta as per Order No. WBG/AB/657 dated April 20, 2024, to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice Chancellor of Jadavpur University until further notice is hereby revoked and will take effect immediately," as per a document from the Governor's Secretariat, West Bengal, a copy of which has been obtained by IANS.

Gupta is set to retire from his position on March 31.

This unexpected decision to relieve Gupta of his duties as acting vice-chancellor just days before his retirement has surprised many in both political and academic spheres.

For the remaining days, Gupta will maintain his position as a professor in the Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering Department at JU.

Following his removal from the vice-chancellor role, JU will remain without a head for daily administrative tasks until a new permanent or acting vice-chancellor is appointed.

While the order from the Governor's Secretariat did not disclose any reasons for Gupta's dismissal, speculation among political and academic circles suggests that it may have been influenced by recent disturbances on the university campus.

On March 1, a significant disturbance occurred when state Education Minister Brataya Basu's vehicle was reportedly halted upon entering the campus, leading to a confrontation.

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

Protesters claimed that as Minister Basu attempted to leave amidst the uproar, his vehicle intentionally struck two protesting students, resulting in severe injuries that necessitated hospitalization.

During the protests, the Minister sustained minor injuries and fell ill, requiring treatment at the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital before being discharged.