Sugata Marjit leaves CU interim V-C post

Sugata Marjit left his post as the interim Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of the Calcutta University on Thursday. Marjit, a noted educationist had earlier expressed his inability to continue as V-C. 

On May 16, Marjit had written a letter to Chancellor of the university, Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi, requesting him to relieve him from his duty on July 14.

He said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was not extending his lien anymore, so there is no other option left without discontinuing his service at Calcutta University.

Before leaving, Marjit advised the students to maintain peace, harmony and  keep conducive atmosphere in the educational institutes. He also conveyed gratitude to the state government for keeping faith in him.  People close to him said that Marjit will return to his old duty at the RBI. He would also continue his research work. He took the chair at University of Calcutta soon after his immediate predecessor Suranjan Das had resigned and took the charge of Jadavpur University.

Education minister Partha Chatterjee wants one of the pro-vice chancellors of Calcutta University to run the administration till a full time V-C is appointed through the search committee.

At the state Assembly on Tuesday, Chatterjee hinted that either Sonali Banerjee, pro-V-C (finance) or Swagata Sen pro-VC (academics) may be given the reigns of the state run university till a new appointment is made. This time, however, the minister does not want to introduce an interim V-C.

However, State education minister Partha Chatterjee earlier stated that the highest administrative 

decision making body – syndicate of University of Calcutta – may be given the duty as ad-hoc basis as the term of this body is nearing its end. In this case, a search committee may be formed to select a full term V-C.