Presidency alumni worried over vacant seats, 'disturbance of heritage'

Kolkata: The Presidency Alumni Association on Sunday held a meeting with the chairman of Presidency University mentor group Sugata Bose and expressed their concern over vacant seats and 'disturbance of the heritage' in the university.

The alumni association also shared their views that there has been a decline in the academic standards of the university, with a number of students and teachers shunning the varsity and going to other educational institutions.

"Alumni across the country and the world too have been active in social media, expressing their concern over the heritage points that have been affected. Telescopes have gone missing, the old canteen is being replaced, the portico has been pulled down and we feel that the attitude of the administration should change," a member of the alumni association said.

The alumni association has informed Bose that the state government, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, has given grant and autonomy to Presidency but it is a matter of great concern for them that so many seats have been vacant.

"Bose had given us a patient hearing and like us, he had felt that the attitude of the varsity authorities needs a change so that academic people can be nurtured," they said.

The alumni association alleged that free thinking on the part of the students, something which has always been encouraged by the varsity, is gradually losing its relevance today.

It may be mentioned that Bose is holding meetings with mentor group members, alumni association and some other stakeholders and will submit a comprehensive report to the Chief Minister on January 20 with recommendations of improving standard of education and other important issues that have been an area of concern for the varsity for quite some time.