The Supreme Court mandated the appointment of regular vice-chancellors for all 36 state-aided universities in West Bengal. To resolve the conflict, the Court formed a committee led by former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit to oversee these appointments, emphasizing no interim arrangements should be made.
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NEW DELHI: In the midst of an ongoing conflict between Governor C V Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Supreme Court of India has decreed that only regular vice-chancellors will be appointed to lead all 36 state-aided universities in West Bengal. This decision comes as a measure to resolve the discord between the two high-ranking state officials over the appointment of vice-chancellors.
To address the prolonged disagreement, the apex court established a search-cum-selection committee on July 8, headed by former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit. This committee was tasked with overseeing the appointment process for vice-chancellors in the state’s universities. In an order issued on July 29, the Supreme Court emphasized that interim arrangements for vice-chancellor positions would not be acceptable.
“Specifically, it is clarified that regular vice-chancellors shall be appointed in all 36 state-aided universities.”
– stated a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan.
The bench further supported the recommendation that the retirement age for vice-chancellors of three specific universities—Aliah University, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, and West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences—should be set at 65 years.
“For the remaining universities, the retirement age for vice-chancellors shall be 70 years.”
– the bench added.
Empowering the Justice Lalit-led panel with extensive authority, the court allowed the committee to shortlist eligible candidates for the vice-chancellor positions.
“In addition, the chairperson is free to co-opt any expert, even from outside these lists, at their discretion.”
-the bench clarified.
Previously, the top court had granted the panel’s chairperson the flexibility to form separate or joint search-cum-selection committees for one or more universities. This approach was to consider the diverse nature of subjects and disciplines taught in these institutions.
The Supreme Court’s directive aims to bring stability and regularity to the administration of higher education in West Bengal by ensuring that qualified and permanent vice-chancellors are appointed. This move is seen as a significant step towards resolving the administrative friction between the state’s governor and chief minister, thereby fostering a more harmonious and effective governance of the state’s universities.