Mamata's appointment as chancellor of state-run varsities flayed

June 12, 2022 11:00

A group of renowned personalities of West Bengal have expressed discontent over the appointment of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as chancellor of state-run universities, arguing that the move will "deal a blow" to the varsities' autonomy and is against the spirit of democracy.

They also said the decision of the state cabinet ignores the long-standing demand of people to have an eminent educationist in that post.

"We are surprised and stunned over the recent decision to appoint the chief minister as chancellor of state universities. We all know about the imperatives of autonomy and freedom of educational institutions, and such a decision will deal a blow to that, and is against the spirit of democracy," they said in a statement on Saturday.

Among the 40 signatories are actor Kaushik Sen, directors Anik Dutta and Raja Sen, painter Samir Aich, thespian Bibhas Chakraborty, social activist Miratun Nahar and rights activist Sujato Bhadra.

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