Bengal passes bill allowing staff transfers between state universities

The West Bengal Assembly on Thursday passed a bill allowing the state government to transfer teaching and non-teaching staff from one state-run university to another, The Indian Express reported.

The bill was opposed by several teachers’ associations and academics who said that the legislation could be used to target university professors critical of the government, The Telegraph reported.

Addressing the Assembly after the bill was introduced, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that it would be used to give a “strong dose” to Jadavpur University teachers who were “brainwashing” students.

“You will take students from the hostel [to rallies],” The Telegraph quoted him as saying. “I have all the records of Jadavpur University Teachers Association. I have all the records of what you have done.”

The 2026 West Bengal Universities and Colleges Administration and Regulation Amendment Bill was introduced by Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay during a one-day special session of the Assembly.

The amendment adds Section 14A in the existing Act, allowing the chancellor, in consultation with the state government, to transfer an employee from one state university to another, under “any law made by the state legislature for administrative reasons”, The Indian Express reported.

Adhikari said that his government “does not care” if those opposing the bill called it “misuse of power”, The Telegraph reported.

“We have come to power for five years with a...

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