Controversy Erupts at Rabindra Bharati University over Vice-Chancellor's Decisions

The Trinamool Congress students' wing locked the office of Rabindra Bharati University's interim Vice-Chancellor, Shubhra Kamal Mukherjee, protesting his administrative actions. Students claim he overstepped his authority by making policy decisions. Protests demand his removal, while Mukherjee describes the situation as 'extremely unfortunate.' The campus tension highlights ongoing administrative challenges.

Controversy unfolded at Rabindra Bharati University as members of the Trinamool Congress students' wing locked the office of interim Vice-Chancellor Shubhra Kamal Mukherjee. Alleging Mukherjee took unauthorized policy decisions, around 50 students staged a sit-in, calling for his removal after preventing his entry into the office earlier.

The protests arose after Mukherjee convened a meeting with the university's executive council, making key administrative and academic decisions, actions he is reportedly not authorized to perform, according to the students. They claim only a full-time VC can undertake such responsibilities.

Mukherjee, appointed by the Governor as the interim VC in 2023, expressed distress over the developments, noting the protests' interference with university administration and the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore at the institution. He suggested non-teaching staff and other influencers might support the students' actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)