Jadavpur University (JU) celebrated its 68th annual convocation on Wednesday, an event marked by both accolades from the Chancellor and vigorous student protests highlighting administrative and infrastructural shortcomings.
Governor's Vision: From Bengal's Best to Nation's Top
Delivering the keynote address, West Bengal Governor and University Chancellor CV Ananda Bose lauded JU as the "best university of West Bengal." He expressed strong confidence in its future trajectory, stating that given the way its students, scholars, and faculty are pursuing research and academics, JU is poised to become the best in the country in the near future. Bose emphasized the institute's longstanding reputation for excellence among both its student body and faculty members.
SFI's Charter of Demands Disrupts Ceremony
Outside the convocation venue, members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) gathered, raising slogans to press for a series of urgent demands. The protest was aimed directly at the Chancellor, given his presence at the event.
SFI leader Sangita Kundu identified the prolonged delay in electing the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as a primary grievance. The ICC is a critical statutory body for addressing sexual harassment complaints on campus, and its non-functional state was a major point of contention for the students.
Infrastructure and Security Concerns Raised
Beyond the ICC issue, students presented a litany of infrastructural problems. Kundu pointed out the irony of JU being considered a "five-star university" while its classrooms and laboratories remain in poor condition. She alleged that regular classes are frequently disrupted in several departments, and laboratories suffer from a lack of adequate equipment, severely affecting academic work.
The protestors also flagged significant campus security lapses, claiming insufficient security personnel in many areas, which leaves students, especially women, feeling unsafe on campus premises.
Political Opposition to HECI Bill
In a deputation submitted to the Governor, the SFI also voiced strong opposition to the proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, referring to it as "Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshak." The student body argued that the adoption of this bill would adversely affect the funding and autonomous functioning of higher educational institutions across India, impacting students directly.
Governor's Assurance: "Will Look Into the Matter"
In response to the demonstrations, Governor CV Ananda Bose acknowledged the students' right to protest and present their demands. He stated that these were issues for the government to consider and promised to study the charter of demands carefully.
Following the convocation, the Governor met with an SFI delegation. Russell Parvej of JU SFI confirmed that the Governor listened to their concerns regarding fund cuts, campus security, and the demand for student elections across the state. Bose assured the delegation that he would look into the matters raised and encouraged students to approach him anytime with their issues.
The 68th convocation of Jadavpur University thus unfolded as a event contrasting the institution's celebrated legacy with the pressing contemporary challenges voiced by its student community, setting the stage for potential administrative action.
