Today, on Monday, Prof. Chiranjeeb Bhattacharya has formally taken charge as the new Vice Chancellor (VC) of Jadavpur University, after two and a half years of administrative vacuum.
One of Kolkata's most prestigious universities had been functioning without a regular VC since May 2023, when Prof. Suranjan Das retired. The Supreme Court's intervention recently paved the way for appointments across six state universities.
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‘Jadavpur is my second home’
Having spent more than three decades as a teacher and once a student at the same university, Prof Bhattacharya described Jadavpur as his "second home." Speaking to the reporters, Prof. Bhattacharya said, "Jadavpur has its own character and individuality, which must be respected. At the same time, all the stakeholders have responsibilities, and they will know what should and what should not be done," he noted. On the current academic session and Higher Secondary coordination, he added optimistically, “Both are equally important. With everyone’s cooperation, I’m hopeful there will be no major issues.”
Filling vacant posts top priority
Speaking on his immediate areas of focus, Prof. Bhattacharya listed the shortage of faculty and staff as the most serious problem facing the university. “The biggest challenge is the large number of vacant posts. Due to the absence of a permanent VC for two and a half years, recruitment at all levels has stopped. Filling up those vacancies will be our primary focus,” he said to the reporters.
He also spoke of the smooth conduct of the forthcoming convocation ceremony, saying efforts have already begun to ensure that it happens without any obstacles.
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Statute revision on the agenda
Prof. Bhattacharya proposes to revisit and update the university's statutes-a discussion that had begun during his earlier tenure as Pro-Vice-Chancellor. “When I was Pro-VC, the statute was discussed at length, including in the Executive Council. But it could not be finalised. The existing provisions no longer match the present context, so updating them is essential,” he explained.
In favour of student union elections
On the long-pending demand for student union elections, Prof. Bhattacharya mentioned that he was in support, but there were procedural requirements. “During my tenure as Pro-VC from 2019 to 2023, there were several calls for holding elections. I had written to the authorities back then. Personally, I believe student union elections should be held, but government approval is required. I will speak to the state government and try to obtain permission as early as possible,” he said.
