Jadavpur University's Convocation Sparks Potential Conflict Between Raj Bhavan and West Bengal Government
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Kolkata, Dec 24 (NationPress) A fresh conflict appears to be emerging between Raj Bhavan and the West Bengal secretariat as the annual convocation of Kolkata’s renowned Jadavpur University (JU) kicked off on Tuesday, despite the objections from Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, who, by virtue of his position, also holds the title of chancellor of the university.
Sources from Raj Bhavan indicated that the convocation is being carried out by the university administration despite a statement from the Governor's office questioning the legitimacy of this year’s ceremony, particularly due to the absence of the Governor and the Chancellor.
In a communication directed at the JU administration, the Governor’s office emphasized that according to Section 8(1) of The Jadavpur University Act 1981, the Governor is always designated as the Chancellor of the university, and therefore, the actions taken by the interim vice-chancellor may not comply with the provisions of the Act. This raises potential concerns regarding the legitimacy of the degrees awarded during the convocation.
The Governor's office highlighted that since a permanent vice-chancellor is expected to be appointed soon, postponing the convocation until that time would have been more appropriate.
Nonetheless, Bratya Basu, the state Education Minister, dismissed the objections raised by the Governor's office, asserting that the convocation of an institution like JU is a sacrosanct event for its students and faculty and has traditionally been held on December 24.
“One does not compromise the significance of convocations and the heritage of such an institution. Furthermore, due process has been followed to the best extent possible, and nothing that benefits the students can be delayed indefinitely,” Basu stated.
However, the Governor's office insisted that the argument that the convocation must be held on December 24 is not obligatory.
The Governor's office clarified that degrees (excluding honorary degrees) and honors from the university should be awarded at the Annual Convocation held on December 24 each year or on a date determined by the Executive Council, subject to the Chancellor's approval.
Governor Bose was absent from the convocation ceremony.
