Special Session of WB Assembly passes inter-university transfer of teachers bill.

Kolkata: The BJP government in West Bengal is poised to implement “One state, One Education” policy through inter-university transfer of teaching and non-teaching staff. This bill was passed by the state Assembly by voice vote. A special one-day session of the Assembly was convened for this purpose.

This bill was earlier cleared by the state Cabinet on Tuesday. The bill introduces a new provision in Section 14A of the 2017 Act, allowing inter-university transfer of teaching and non-teaching personnel between universities across the state. It was tabled in the House by Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhya.

The Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari intervening in the debate said the measure would particularly benefit newly established universities by enabling them to draw on the experience and expertise of faculty members from older institutions in Kolkata and other districts. He said, “Their experience will be crucial in strengthening academic infrastructure, upgrading curricula and improving teaching standards. The objective is to transform these new universities into centres of excellence,” he added.

He refuted the allegation of the educationists with left-party leanings, particularly from the Jadavpur University Teachers Association, who alleged that the bill was meant to use their expertise in Universities located in marginalised regions.

“The government has records of their activities. If they possess so much knowledge and intellectual capability, they should help strengthen the newly established universities and improve educational standards there,” CM Adhikari said. He further added that those who were against the new bill or comply with the government’s guidelines could resign and join any political party.