He said the government should consider fresh recruitment to fill vacancies instead of transferring existing teachers from one university to another. He also urged the government to consult teachers’ associations and universities before implementing such a major change.
CPM MLA Mostafizur Rahman described the Bill as an “ominous sign”, arguing that it could weaken the independent status of universities.
Mostafizur pointed out that teachers and other employees were appointed under the statutes and regulations of individual universities, many of which did not provide for inter-university transfers. He questioned whether their employment conditions could subsequently be changed through legislation.
He also raised concerns about the role of university statutory bodies such as Syndicates and Executive Councils. Decisions taken without these bodies, he argued, could undermine the autonomy of universities.
TMC MLA Alifa Ahmed questioned the government’s use of the phrase “administrative necessity”. She asked whether family circumstances would be considered before an employee was transferred and whether a teacher who criticised government policies could be moved to another university as punishment.
Ahmed nevertheless acknowledged that greater academic exchange could benefit universities. She suggested alternatives such as visiting faculty programmes, inter-university exchanges, joint academic projects and collaborative research rather than compulsory transfers.
The Opposition’s concerns were amplified by the chief minister’s aggressive criticism of sections of the academic community, particularly teachers at Jadavpur University and members of the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association.
Adhikari said the government had details of the activities of JUTA members and mocked that academics with “vast knowledge and international intellect” could be sent to newer universities to strengthen them.
He also took aim at teachers unhappy with the proposed changes to their service conditions. “Transfers are an integral part of government service,” Adhikari said, adding that those who found government employment unacceptable could quit and become full-time political activists.
His remarks came against the backdrop of continuing political tensions at Jadavpur University. The chief minister also warned that slogans he considered ‘anti-national’ would not be tolerated on university campuses, saying the government would respond “in the language of Netaji, not Gandhi”.
About the Author
