WB govt to take action against varsity attackers

West Bengal government today said action would be taken against those involved in the attack on Kalyani University officials during an agitation, which was termed as 'unfortunate' by the Governor.

Ruling Trinamool Congress MP Sugata Bose, who is a noted academician, also condemned the assault on Estate in-charge Pratap Santra and Admission Committee Chairperson Prof Sujata Chowdhury yesterday.

Education Minister Partha Chatterjee today visited the university in Nadia district and met its Vice-Chancellor Rattan Lal Hangloo in the aftermath of the assault on two officials and vandalism yesterday.

"Administrative steps will be taken against the attackers, whether men or women. What has happened yesterday cannot be tolerated," Chatterjee told reporters after meeting the VC and Registrar Dr Prasenjit Deb.

A woman had been at the forefront in attacking the two officials who were hospitalised. The agitating students and employees demanding the VC's resignation also damaged CCTV cameras and furniture in the university premises.

The VC claimed yesterday that the university authorities have been trying to invoke a rule of law and instill discipline in the campus which some of the employees and students dislike.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee does not want any unruly incident in educational institutions," said the minister after whose intervention the agitators left the campus after several hours.

Claiming that "differences" between University authorities and the students have been sorted out, Chatterjee said the VC would look into their demands.

The senior Trinamool leader, who also met agitating employees and students after meeting the VC, praised Hangloo's role in infrastructure development of the University.

He said the hike in college fees from Rs 1,600 to Rs 6,700 is too steep in rural areas and that should be reduced.

On the problem of extra students in B Ed courses in colleges under the University, Chatterjee said those who had managed to get admitted beyond the capacity of 100 seats, would have to fend for themselves.

Earlier in the day, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi said,"Whatever is happening at Kalyani (University) is unfortunate.Everybody should maintain discipline."

Asked whether he, as the University Chancellor, would take any action in the matter, Tripathi said, "I have asked the education minister to visit Kalyani (University)."

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Sugata Bose said all political parties should reach a consensus of not 'using' students for any reason.

The Gardiner Professor of Oceanic History and Affairs, Harvard University said, "Mamata Banerjee after becoming the Chief Minister had said that she will free educational institutions from politics. And saying that she had brought me into politics."

Bose had earlier been the chairperson of Presidency University's Mentor Group, set up by the state government to provide recommendations and a roadmap to turn the University into an institution of international repute. He later contested the last Lok Sabha polls as a Trinamool Congress candidate and won.