Jadavpur University (JU) in Kolkata has taken a significant step to address a serious complaint from its students. On Monday, the university administration constituted a three-member fact-finding committee. This panel has been tasked with probing allegations that a professor from the English department asked two third-year undergraduate (UG3) students to remove their hijab during an examination.
Committee Formed Under VC's Direction
The university officially confirmed the move in a statement released on Monday. The committee was formed under the direct direction of the Vice-Chancellor (VC). This swift action highlights the administration's intent to thoroughly investigate the sensitive matter, which has drawn attention from student bodies and minority rights groups alike.
Composition of the Investigative Panel
The fact-finding committee comprises three notable academic figures. Syed Tanveer Nasreen, a history professor from Burdwan University, will chair the panel. She is joined by Subarna Kumar Das, a professor of library and information science at JU, who also serves as the liaison officer for the university's SC/ST cell. The third member is Kazi Masum Akhtar, the chancellor's nominee to the Executive Council (EC). To facilitate the proceedings, Deputy Registrar Ujjal Kumar Mondal has been entrusted with the role of presenting officer for this matter.
Timeline and External Scrutiny
The committee has been given a clear deadline to complete its investigation. The panel is required to submit its detailed report within 30 days of its formation. Adding another layer of oversight to the issue, the chairperson of the minority commission is scheduled to meet with the authorities at Jadavpur University on Tuesday. This meeting underscores the broader societal and communal implications of the incident that have sparked concern beyond the campus walls.
The allegations center on an exam scenario where the professor reportedly suspected the two students of cheating. The students have claimed that instead of following standard protocol for such suspicions, the professor instructed them to remove their hijabs. The formation of this committee represents a formal institutional response to these serious accusations, aiming to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
