Kolkata: In a significant development for higher education in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has indicated that three prominent colleges on the Asutosh College campus—Asutosh College, Syamaprasad College, and Jogamaya Devi College—could soon be amalgamated into a new university. The announcement came during her visit to Jogamaya Devi College, her alma mater, on Saraswati Puja.
Proposal and Process
Banerjee stated that if all progresses smoothly, the formal process to establish the university will commence after the upcoming Assembly elections. She directed the principals of the three colleges to submit a written proposal through Kajari Banerjee, the governing body president of Jogamaya Devi College. This move underscores the government's focus on enhancing educational infrastructure in the state.
Historical Legacy and Future Vision
Asutosh College, currently affiliated with Calcutta University, houses Jogamaya Devi College as its morning section and Syamaprasad College as its evening section. Manas Kabi, principal of Asutosh College, emphasized the rich history and legacy of these institutions, noting that many distinguished writers, academics, and politicians, including the Chief Minister herself, are alumni. "There has been a long-standing demand for these colleges to operate under a new university due to their proven capabilities in higher education," Kabi explained.
The proposal aims not to erase the colleges' identities but to establish a new university with Asutosh, Syamaprasad, and Jogamaya Devi as constituent colleges. Kabi highlighted that this vision was well-received by the Chief Minister, and detailed plans were handed over on Friday. Post-elections, the matter will be reviewed, with a focus on introducing job-oriented and skill-based courses to meet modern demands.
Infrastructure and Course Innovation
Apurbo Chakraborty, principal of Syamaprasad College, stressed the importance of contemporary and innovative courses, calling this potential transformation a "significant achievement" that would grant autonomy in designing new-age curricula. Kabi added that infrastructure development would not be a hurdle, as the colleges possess ample land for expansion—Asutosh College in Joka, Jogamaya Devi College in Sonarpur, and Syamaprasad College actively seeking additional land. Proposed courses include law and other skill-based programs to enhance employability.
Differing Perspectives
However, not all stakeholders are in full agreement. Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, grandson of Asutosh Mookerjee and nephew of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, expressed concerns about preserving the colleges' glorious past. He argued that improving the infrastructure of existing colleges and universities should take precedence over establishing new ones merely for the sake of expansion.
On the other hand, Asutosh Ghosh, Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, noted that the separation of these colleges would not significantly impact the university, citing past examples like Presidency College. He mentioned that Calcutta University is already implementing changes to better prepare students for the job market, and autonomy as a unitary university offers numerous benefits, making an upgrade attractive.
This potential restructuring reflects broader trends in Indian higher education, where autonomy and innovation are increasingly prioritized to address evolving economic and social needs.
