Calcutta University (CU) has refused to reschedule its undergraduate law semester examination scheduled for August 28, despite formal requests from the West Bengal higher education department and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Officiating Vice Chancellor Santa Dutta announced the decision following an emergency meeting of the CU syndicate, where the majority of members voted in favour of retaining the original date. The meeting included several academic heads and principals. Only one syndicate member, Om Prakash Mishra, and a representative from the higher education department voiced dissent.
“Barring government holidays, there is no precedent of altering university exam dates to accommodate political programmes,” said Dutta, emphasizing that the university must uphold its academic independence and legacy. She cited the lack of formal appeals from a significant number of students as a further reason to retain the date.
The controversy stems from a request made by the state government to shift the exam as it coincides with the foundation day rally of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the ruling party, expected to draw large crowds in central Kolkata.
The BA-LLB semester-4 and BCom semester-4 exams are scheduled from 2 PM to 5 PM on that day.
In response to concerns over traffic disruptions due to the rally, Dutta said that the transport department and local administration have been asked to ensure smooth movement across the city. She pointed out that if the government can ensure normalcy on days of political bandhs, the same effort should apply on August 28.
Dutta also raised objections to the nature of the government’s request, questioning the appropriateness of a state directive favouring a specific political outfit. “How many among the nearly 30,000 examinees even requested for the date to be changed?” she asked. “A very small percentage.”
The officiating VC, who was appointed by Governor C.V. Ananda Bose in 2023, has been under scrutiny from Education Minister Bratya Basu, who recently accused her of exceeding her term in office. Dutta took charge following the exit of former VC Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee, whose appointment was mired in controversy.
In recent days, Santa Dutta has faced protests and memoranda submissions by students affiliated with the TMCP, demanding that the exam be deferred. TMCP State President Trinankur Bhattacharya sharply criticized the university’s stand, claiming the decision was politically motivated and alleging Dutta’s alignment with “the saffron camp.”
“This is not just an academic decision,” Bhattacharya said. “The VC must respect the state education department’s directive. She cannot override the system.”
Despite the political storm, CU remains steadfast. Dutta confirmed that any decision regarding students who miss the exam on August 28 will be considered at a later time.
With over 150 affiliated colleges and 16 institutes, CU’s refusal to reschedule reflects its resolve to protect academic autonomy, underscoring a broader clash between institutional independence and political influence in West Bengal’s education sector.
