Kolkata: Jadavpur University vice-chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee has sought a report from joint registrar Ujjwal Kumar Mandal on the yajna performed on the portico of Aurobindo Bhavan by members of Paschimbanga Visvavidyalaya Karmachari Sangh (PVKS), JU unit, on Friday.
PVKS, affiliated to Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), performed the ‘yajna’ demanding removal of acting registrar Selim Box Mandal, acting finance officer Shiladitya Chatterjee, and for the “awakening of good sense and wisdom of JU authorities”. They did not seek permission to perform the ceremony at the Grade-I heritage structure.
The yajna drew sharp reactions from teachers, students, staff, and even another right-wing staff union.
“The incident was highly undesirable on an education campus like JU. I have asked joint registrar Ujjwal Mandal to submit a report as early as possible,” said VC Bhattacharjee.
PVKS, JU unit secretary Biswajit Deb said, “The character of any movement or protest is to defy rules. If action is taken against us, then others who have bent or broken rules some time or the other should not be spared.”
A source said that even after five days, the report has not been reportedly submitted. Mandal declined to comment.
Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) met the VC after the incident and demanded an inquiry so that those involved were held accountable.
“We urged the VC for a probe regarding the yajna performed on the portico of Aurobindo Bhavan. It is not a question of only religious practice but the activity performed at a heritage structure without permission. He assured us that he will seek a report from officials concerned within 48 hours. It was also mentioned that CCTV cameras can be checked. If the report has not been submitted yet, we believe it is the responsibility of the VC to find those accountable for the sake of JU’s pride, honour and glory. If necessary, he can form a separate fact-finding committee,” said JUTA general secretary Rajyeswar Sinha.
JUTMCP wrote to the VC expressing concern and demanded an inquiry. “This is extremely alarming and violates the legal standards of heritage building conservation regulations. Action needs to be taken against the organisation and the members,” said JUTMCP’s Tirtharaj Bardhan.
West Bengal University’s Karmachari Parishad (WBUKP), a unit of BJP trade union relation cell, also condemned the yajna. “It tarnished the image of JU. The authorities must decide to take some action against those involved.”
Meanwhile, RSS-affiliated ABRSM, JU unit, has written to the VC, requesting him to provide video recordings of EC meetings of the last three years to the higher education department, along with EC agendas and minutes.