UGC unsatisfied with JU letter, seeks report on 12-point queries of current yr in 24 hrs

Kolkata: The University Grant Commission (UGC) is learnt to have expressed dissatisfaction over the report submitted by Jadavpur University relating to the death of the first-year undergraduate student who allegedly fell victim to ragging.

Referring to the report in their letter to the Registrar of Jadavpur University, Dr Snehamanju Basu, UGC wrote: “...it was found to be very generic in nature basically mentioning therein mostly the reactive approaches adopted in the matter rather than proactive measures taken to curb the menace of ragging and therefore, the Commission is not satisfied with the report submitted…” They have also sought details of the steps taken by the university to conduct joint counselling of freshers and seniors within the first two weeks of the session’s beginning.

The UGC has also asked the university to submit a report on the 12-point queries on the current year within 24 hours and for the last five years within the next 10 days. If the reply is not received in the given time frame, then the UGC will take appropriate action.

Further, the JU authorities are also mulling the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic points on the university premises, including at entry gates. However, according to the university’s Registrar, the final decision on the installation will be taken by the Executive Council. A circular was issued which directs all individuals entering the university campus between 8 pm to 7 am to carry valid identity cards issued by JU. It will have to be produced on demand. If a person doesn’t have an identity card then they will have to produce some other proof of identity and enter the details of the person they are going to meet as well as their contact details. The circular also states prohibition on the use of narcotics, alcohol or other illegal substances and any illegal acts in any part of the campus.

Meanwhile, the State Higher Education department on Thursday constituted a fact-finding committee with the vice-chairperson (Academic) of the West Bengal State Council of Higher Education as the chairperson to identify administrative lapses and infrastructure gaps at Jadavpur University and to ensure corrective measures.

The committee will have to submit the report to the Higher Education department within two weeks. The four-member committee will include the Special Commissioner, University Branch of the state Higher Education department, Director of Public Instruction West Bengal and Member-Secretary of West Bengal Council of Higher Education as the convenor.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights is unhappy with the reply sent by the Registrar of Jadavpur University to the show-cause notice sent by the Commission. According to the Commission, they feel that the response reflects the “gross insincerity of the university administration” where they have tried to shrug off all responsibilities of the incident.