Mita Mukherjee

A large section of teachers of Jadavpur University have decided to launch a movement against a decision of the university authorities to extend the tenures of deans, heads, directors and coordinators of all the faculties, departments and research centres of the institution.

The teachers said the tenures have been extended on May 29 citing the reason that this would ensure smooth functioning of the expert team of senior faculty members of the institution including some existing heads and deans who are doing the preparations for the ensuing NAAC inspection of the institution.

According to the agitating teachers the university does not have the powers to extend the tenure of deans and departmental heads in this way and the extensions have been granted violating the rules prescribed in the university act regarding such appointments.

The teachers will start the agitation by not attending work on June 13 and they will intensify their movement if the authorities refuse to withdraw the decision.

Goutam Maity, a senior teacher of Jadavpur University and secretary of All Bengal Teachers’ Association (ABUTA) alleged that the extension of tenure of the existing deans and heads will deprive several senior professors from serving in these posts.

He alleged that the move has been taken to enable some existing heads and deans, close to the authorities, to remain in the posts even after the expiry of their tenures.

“This is not the first time the NAAC inspection team is visiting the university. The tenure of deans and heads had never been extended for NAAC visits in the past. The decision has been taken violating the university rules. The rules do not have any provision to allow deans and heads to continue to function after the expiry of their terms. We strongly demand withdrawal of the decision,” Maity told EducationWorld.

According to the university rules the tenure of deans expires after six months of remaining in the post. Teachers can remain in the post of heads of departments for two years. After completion of two years the next senior most teachers become the head of the department.

Maity said that the term of at least two deans and the same number of heads have expired between May end and first week of June.

A circular issued by the university on May 29 said: “The undersigned is directed to notify the decision of the Competent Authority of the University to extend the tenure/term of the Deans /HoDs /Directors /Co-ordinators of all the faculties / departments/ schools/ centres to enable the smooth administration and final preparation phase of the NAAC visit which is scheduled shortly, until further order…. The aforesaid extension of tenure’ terms ….. is solely devoted to the welfare of academic activities and maintenance of academic excellence of the University which is largely dependent on NAAC visit.”

Bhaskar Gupta, interim VC of Jadavpur University said the decision to extend the tenure of the present heads and deans has been taken after discussing with heads and senior teachers of all the departments and the university has no intention to deprive the deserving teachers from serving in the said posts.

“The tenures of the heads, deans, directors and coordinators have been extended as a temporary measure to ensure that the preparations for NAAC team visit can be done smoothly. The teachers don’t need to worry because those who are supposed to serve as next heads and deans will take the charges as soon as the NAAC inspection is over,” Gupta told EducationWorld.

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