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Bengal Assembly passes Bill enabling inter-university transfer of teachers, staff

Kolkata, Sep 10 (IANS) The West Bengal Universities & Colleges Administration & Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at implementing the state’s “One State, One Education” policy through inter-university transfer of teaching and non-teaching staff, was passed by voice vote in a special one-day session of the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday.

The Bill, which was cleared by the state Cabinet on September 8, introduces a new provision in Section 14A of the 2017 Act, allowing the transfer of teaching and non-teaching personnel between universities across the state. It was tabled in the House by Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhya, a journalist-turned-politician.

Participating in the debate, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the measure would particularly benefit newly established universities by enabling them to draw on the experience and expertise of faculty members from older institutions in Kolkata and other districts.

“Their experience will be crucial in strengthening academic infrastructure, upgrading curricula and improving teaching standards. The objective is to transform these new universities into centres of excellence,” the Chief Minister said.

He also criticised Left-leaning sections of the academic community, particularly members of the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA), saying the state government intended to utilise their expertise in developing universities located in backward and marginalised regions.

“The government has records of their activities. If they possess so much knowledge and intellectual capability, they should help strengthen the newly established universities and improve educational standards there,” CM Adhikari said.

The Chief Minister further warned that teachers unwilling to comply with government guidelines and service rules were free to resign and pursue political activities full-time.

“Those who would be having problems in abiding by the service rules are welcome to quit. Let them quit their jobs and become full-timers of the political party they are affiliated to,” the Chief Minister said.

–IANS

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