Jadavpur University recently dissolved its committee responsible for approving campus events following a controversy over a convention organized by Left-backed student groups. The event, attended by All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, sparked debate about administrative permissions and procedural adherence.
- The university disbanded the 'Approving and Monitoring for Programmes' committee.
- Registrar Debjit Dutta has been assigned to oversee event approvals temporarily.
- The convention discussed demands such as scrapping the National Education Policy 2020 and opposing the National Testing Agency and ISI Bill.
- There were protests from the ABVP about the presence of political figures from outside the university.
- The committee was dissolved due to a procedural lapse in granting permission for the event.
What was the controversy surrounding the AISA event?
The event titled "Gen Z Movement: Unity of Generation and Resistance" was held on campus by Left-backed student groups and attended by AISA president Neha Bora. It focused on various demands, including the scrapping of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Testing Agency, which conducts national-level entrance tests for higher education institutes. The convention also opposed the Special Intelligence Report (SIR) of electoral rolls and the proposed ISI Bill.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student organization affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), protested the event. They raised concerns about the presence of political figures from outside the university and questioned whether the program had received proper administrative permission.
Why did the university dissolve the event approval committee?
Following the controversy, Jadavpur University's vice-chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya issued a notification dissolving the 'Approving and Monitoring for Programmes' committee. The registrar, Debjit Dutta, was directed to take charge of event approvals until further notice.
The registrar explained that the committee was dissolved due to a "procedural lapse" in granting permission for the event. A new panel is expected to be formed soon. Additionally, the chairperson of the dissolved committee and the dean of students have been asked to provide explanations for the lapse.
Did the event have official permission?
There are conflicting accounts regarding the event's approval. The registrar stated that his office had not been approached for permission and did not grant approval for the program. He warned that strict action would be taken if the event was organized without the required permissions.
However, a senior faculty member mentioned that the organizers had received approval from the concerned committee. According to university rules, the committee's recommendation must be forwarded to the registrar, which allegedly did not happen in this case.
What are the university's views on freedom of expression?
Registrar Debjit Dutta affirmed that Jadavpur University supports freedom of expression and the right to organize programs on campus. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the proper procedures for granting permission must be followed, especially for political events.
What was the response from other groups?
The ABVP criticized the event, highlighting the presence of outsiders and the lack of administrative approval. Conversely, the organizers countered by accusing ABVP leaders of previously entering the campus without permission during unrest in August.
Bhaskar Sardar, chief of the RSS-linked teachers' organization Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), stated that the event was approved without following the required procedures. He noted that while university halls can be let out to student unions, the program organized by AISA did not follow the laid-down process, which was a cause for concern.
