Calcutta University VC Questions Fairness of Appointment Process
Calcutta University’s acting VC questions exclusion from selection for permanent post.
In a sharp rebuke of the West Bengal government, Calcutta University’s officiating Vice-Chancellor, Santa Dutta, has alleged bias in the selection process for the university’s permanent vice-chancellor position. Dutta, appointed by Governor CV Ananda Bose in 2023 following the departure of Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee, claims she was unfairly excluded from the interview process despite her extensive qualifications and experience.
Dutta, a distinguished academic with six university medals, including two golds, highlighted her administrative credentials, having served as head of department and dean for several years. She also noted her leadership of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) addressing abuse and harassment and her widespread support among students and staff. “I am an apolitical person, appreciated by stakeholders across political lines,” Dutta stated. “Yet, I was not even called for an interview, and my name was omitted from the selection committee’s panel formed by the chief minister. The process was arbitrary.”
The controversy appears to stem partly from Dutta’s refusal to reschedule semester law exams set for August 28, which coincided with the ruling party’s student wing foundation day. When asked if this decision influenced her exclusion, Dutta clarified, “The decision to exclude me was made before the exam date was announced. However, my refusal to change the date, a unanimous Syndicate decision, seems to have further angered the education minister and the government.” She emphasized that altering the academic calendar to accommodate non-governmental events would set a dangerous precedent.
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Education Minister Bratya Basu has openly criticized Dutta, accusing her of overstaying her tenure with the “covert support” of Governor Bose and the central BJP government. Basu recently remarked, “I think we will see another VC by August 28,” hinting at an imminent change in leadership. Dutta, however, maintained her apolitical stance, expressing dismay at the minister’s repeated public attacks. “I cannot fathom why the education minister has been speaking against me,” she said.
Dutta also highlighted her contributions to the university, including infrastructure projects, though she noted that many remain incomplete. Expressing her emotional connection to the institution, she admitted, “With my long association with this university, it hurts to face such a situation.”
The selection process, overseen by a panel led by a former Supreme Court judge, conducted interviews with over 20 academics from August 19-21 at a Kolkata hotel. Sources indicate that two senior academics are now in contention for the permanent vice-chancellor role at Calcutta University.
The allegations raise questions about the transparency and fairness of the vice-chancellor selection process in West Bengal’s state universities, with Dutta’s case spotlighting potential political influences in academic appointments.
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