West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has signalled strong support for a visionary plan to merge three renowned Kolkata colleges — Asutosh College, Syamaprasad College and Jogamaya Devi College — into a separate university. This development, announced during her visit to the college campus on Saraswati Puja day, could mark a significant transformation in the higher education landscape of the city.
Background: The Asutosh Group of Colleges
The three institutions — Asutosh College, Syamaprasad College and Jogamaya Devi College — are historic colleges affiliated with the University of Calcutta, sharing a common campus and academic heritage in central Kolkata. For decades, they have served thousands of students across arts, science and commerce streams, while fostering cultural and intellectual life in the city.
What the Proposal Entails
Unified University Structure
Under the proposed plan:
- A new university would be established, bringing all three colleges under a single governing institution.
- The three colleges would continue serving their respective student bodies and academic programmes but operate with greater academic coherence and administrative autonomy.
- If approved, the transition process is expected to begin after the West Bengal Assembly elections, once formal proposals are submitted and reviewed.
Supporting the Proposal
During her campus visit, CM Mamata Banerjee endorsed the idea “in principle” and invited college principals to submit a formal proposal through local leadership. She noted that although the timing might not permit legislative action immediately due to the approaching elections, the process could begin soon afterwards.
College authorities confirmed that Mamata’s comments were encouraging and that faculty and students alike have long supported the idea of a new university structure.
Rationale & Expected Benefits
1. Academic Autonomy and Innovation
- A dedicated university could introduce innovative, job-oriented courses and expand postgraduate and research offerings — something that traditional college affiliation models often restrict.
- University status can give institutions greater flexibility in curriculum design, partnering with industry and launching new programmes.
- Enhanced academic governance may attract research funding and skilled faculty, boosting overall quality.
2. Institutional Identity and Legacy Preservation
- Though the colleges have a century-long legacy under Calcutta University, the merged university aims to preserve their unique identity while strengthening collective academic presence.
- Leaders emphasise that the colleges will retain their individual heritage within the broader university framework.
3. Resource Optimization and Growth
- Consolidation can create shared resources — such as libraries, labs, and intellectual infrastructure — while reducing duplication and inefficiencies.
- A unified entity could better plan campus expansion and technology upgrades.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Transition Planning
- Establishing a new university requires meticulous legal, administrative and financial planning. Legislative approval, regulatory clearances and governance structures need careful design.
2. Identity and Stakeholder Concerns
- Preserving the unique cultural and historical identity of each college during integration remains critical to stakeholders.
- Ensuring faculty, students and alumni are adequately consulted is key to avoiding friction or resistance.
3. Broader Higher Education Context
- West Bengal has been actively expanding higher education access and institutional innovation in recent years, with government support for new universities and programmes — reflecting broader statewide educational priorities.
Political and Educational Implications
The proposal comes at a politically strategic moment, with state Assembly elections on the horizon. CM Mamata’s endorsement reinforces her government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing education infrastructure and access. It also reflects a responsive policy stance to longstanding demands from the academic community for greater autonomy and capacity building.
What’s Next
- Principals of the three colleges have been asked to submit a detailed proposal.
- Formal action on university creation is expected post-elections.
- Stakeholders will watch upcoming legislative sessions for clarity on the roadmap, approvals and timelines.
