West Bengal Universities Usher in New Era: Six Vice Chancellors Appointed for Stability and Growth by Governor

Published on October 31 , 2025

Contents

Delhi, India

Overview of the Appointments

Announcement Date and Authority: The appointments were officially notified on October 30, 2025, by Governor C V Ananda Bose, who serves as the Chancellor of state universities, marking a swift resolution to prolonged vacancies.
Number and Scope: Six permanent vice chancellors have been selected for state-aided universities, addressing critical leadership gaps that have persisted for months or even years in some cases.
Selection Process: Recommendations from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were promptly approved, reflecting a collaborative approach between the state government and Raj Bhavan after years of procedural tensions.

Prof Abu Taleb Khan – Biswa Bangla Biswavidyalaya: A seasoned academic focused on cultural and global studies, expected to enhance heritage-based programs and international collaborations.
Prof Chandradipa Ghosh – Sadhu Ramchand Murmu University, Jhargram: Specializing in inclusive education, this appointment targets tribal and regional development, promoting community-engaged research in underserved areas.
Prof Ashis Bhattacharjee – University of Gour Banga: With expertise in regional economics, he aims to bridge urban-rural divides through expanded interdisciplinary initiatives in North Bengal.
Prof Ashutosh Ghosh – University of Calcutta: Returning for a full term after an interim stint in 2016-2017, his leadership will revitalize this historic institution’s strengths in sciences, humanities, and policy research.
Prof Uday Bandyopadhyay – Kazi Nazrul University: An authority in literature and arts, poised to foster creative expression and digital preservation honoring the poet’s legacy.
Prof Chiranjib Bhattacharjee – Jadavpur University: Currently heading the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, he brings administrative prowess to this engineering and tech powerhouse, vacant since mid-2023.

Administrative Challenges: West Bengal’s higher education sector has faced ongoing disputes over vice chancellor selections, with expired terms leading to interim setups and Supreme Court interventions to streamline processes.
Recent Developments: A Supreme Court ruling in early October 2025 cleared pathways for appointments in eight universities, but delays arose due to missing files; this batch fulfills six of those slots.
Shift in Dynamics: Unlike previous standoffs, a recent meeting on October 27, 2025, between the Governor and state officials fostered harmony, enabling these full-term appointments without further hitches.

State Education Minister’s Response: Bratya Basu hailed the move as a victory for the Chief Minister’s vision, extending congratulations and emphasizing smoother academic operations ahead.
Academic Community Buzz: Faculty and students express relief over ending the “leadership limbo,” anticipating faster decision-making on budgets, hires, and curricula.
Broader Endorsements: Education leaders view this as a model for resolving central-state frictions, potentially inspiring similar reforms nationwide.

Governance Stability: Permanent leadership will expedite administrative tasks, from faculty recruitment to infrastructure upgrades, reducing bottlenecks in daily university functions.
Research and Innovation Boost: Expect surges in funding pursuits, new courses in emerging fields like AI and sustainable development, and stronger industry ties.
Inclusivity and Access: Focus on regional universities like Sadhu Ramchand Murmu could enhance scholarships and outreach for marginalized groups, democratizing higher education.
Event and Milestone Revival: Institutions like Jadavpur plan immediate actions, including a convocation on December 24, 2025, and accelerated staffing to reignite campus vibrancy.