1 week ago
ABRSM Seeks Independent Panel for Jadavpur University Clash
Jadavpur University created a committee to investigate incidents on its main campus.
The incidents happened on August 19 and 20.
A teachers’ organisation called ABRSM says the committee may not be independent enough.
It questioned Prof Subha Shankar Sarkar, who was chosen to lead the committee.
ABRSM referred to earlier proceedings involving his past role in a school recruitment commission.
It also questioned the inclusion of Dr Abul Hasnath as a presenting officer.
The organisation had previously raised concerns about Dr Hasnath’s appointment as Deputy Registrar.
ABRSM wants retired judges and experienced investigators with no connection to the university administration to conduct the inquiry.
ABRSM’s Jadavpur University unit objected to the inquiry committee formed by the Vice Chancellor.
The panel is investigating incidents on the university’s main campus on August 19 and 20.
The organisation questioned Prof Subha Shankar Sarkar’s appointment as chairman, citing his past association with the West Bengal Central School Service Commission.
ABRSM also objected to Dr Abul Hasnath’s inclusion as a presenting officer and raised concerns about his appointment as Deputy Registrar.
The organisation urged the university to replace the panel with retired judges and experienced investigating officers independent of the university administration.
- Who
- The ABRSM Jadavpur University unit, led by Prof Avijit Bhowal and Prof Bhaskar Sardar, raised the objections.
- What
- ABRSM sought withdrawal and reconstitution of the Vice Chancellor’s inquiry committee with independent members.
- Where
- The incidents took place on Jadavpur University’s main campus in Kolkata.
- When
- The incidents occurred on August 19 and 20; ABRSM’s letter was dated August 22 and issued on Saturday.
- Why
- ABRSM said the committee’s composition could create a reasonable apprehension of bias or a conflict of interest.
Key facts
- Organisation
- Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh’s Jadavpur University unit
- Affiliation
- ABRSM is described as affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
- Inquiry subject
- Incidents on Jadavpur University’s main campus on August 19 and 20
- Committee chairman questioned
- Prof Subha Shankar Sarkar
- Presenting officer questioned
- Dr Abul Hasnath
- Requested panel
- Retired Calcutta High Court or Supreme Court judges and experienced investigating officers
- Letter recipients
- The Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor, Chancellor and West Bengal government’s Higher Education Department
Quotes
Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh Jadavpur University unit
The Jadavpur University unit of the teachers’ organisation that objected to the inquiry committee’s composition
“Our principal objection concerns the appointment of Prof Subha Shankar Sarkar as the Chairman of the said Enquiry Committee.”
indianexpress.com
“The present composition, in our considered view, fails to satisfy this essential requirement”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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