State-Governor dispute eases as 6 universities get permanent Vice-Chancellors

The prolonged conflict between the West Bengal government and Governor CV Anand Bose over the appointment of vice-chancellors in state universities appears to have subsided, marking a significant improvement in relations. For the first time in over a year, six universities in the state have been assigned permanent vice-chancellors, a move welcomed by the academic community.

The dispute, which escalated to the Supreme Court, saw the governor eventually agreeing to the state's recommendations. The entire appointment process was overseen by a committee led by a former Supreme Court judge. The universities have faced a tumultuous academic year without permanent leadership, but progress has been made. Nirmalya Narayan Chakraborty has been appointed Vice-Chancellor of Presidency University, Shankarkumar Nath for Burdwan University, Roopkumar Varman for Bankura University, Kallol Pal for Kalyani University, Pavitrakumar Chakraborty for Sidhu-Kanho-Birsa University, and Amiyakumar Panda for Rani Rashmoni Green School.

However, challenges remain as 29 universities still lack permanent vice-chancellors, leaving significant gaps in leadership.