Calcutta HC slams Bengal’s education system, calls for immediate removal of Vice Chancellor amid infrastructure, affiliation issues

The Calcutta High Court has recently heard a public interest litigation (PIL) that raises significant concerns regarding the operational shortcomings and infrastructure issues in several B.Ed colleges affiliated with Babasaheb Ambedkar University. The petition, filed by students affected by these shortcomings, alleges that numerous colleges in the state are functioning without the basic infrastructure required by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) guidelines. These colleges, despite failing to meet these essential standards, continue to admit students, thereby calling into question the legitimacy of their academic programs.

Babasaheb Ambedkar University oversees approximately 600 to 650 B.Ed colleges, many of which are said to lack proper facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and teaching staff as per NCTE norms. The petitioners have raised concerns that these colleges have not renewed their affiliation with the university for an extended period. As a result, students enrolled in these institutions are unable to appear for their exams since their colleges' accreditation has expired. This issue has created a serious roadblock for the academic progress of students, who have turned to the court for a resolution that would allow them to sit for their exams and complete their education.

During the hearing, Chief Justice TS Shivagnanam expressed his dismay over the state of higher education in Bengal, particularly highlighting ongoing corruption allegations within the education sector. The court noted that teacher recruitment in the state had been halted due to corruption claims, while police constable recruitment had also been stalled. The Chief Justice pointed out that such issues were forcing many young students to leave Bengal in search of better educational and professional opportunities elsewhere. He stressed that the state's education system needed urgent reform and accountability to address these challenges.

In addition to questioning the university’s handling of the situation, the Chief Justice directed that immediate steps be taken to address the concerns raised in the PIL. He specifically called for the removal of the Vice Chancellor of Babasaheb Ambedkar University if they were found to be unaware of the problems at hand. The state’s legal representatives responded by explaining that the matter had become divided, with one group of petitioners claiming no action had been taken, while another group stated that their grievances were not being adequately heard. The court is expected to review the case further and determine the necessary actions to resolve the ongoing issues.