What happened: BJP legislators appointed as presidents of governing bodies for 247 state-run colleges
The West Bengal Higher Education Department issued notifications appointing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs and MPs as presidents of governing bodies for 247 state-run colleges. These governing bodies form the institutional governance layer through which the state’s higher education administration oversees college governance.
The appointment notifications included examples of BJP leaders assigned to president roles at specific colleges. The West Bengal Higher Education Minister stated that these presidential appointments are not unusual because presidents are expected to have bachelor’s degrees.
Background and earlier position: TMC-headed governing bodies dissolved after BJP assumed office
After BJP came to power in West Bengal in early May, governing bodies previously headed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators for state-run colleges were dissolved. The West Bengal Higher Education Department then issued new notifications appointing BJP MLAs and MPs as presidents of governing bodies for 247 state-run colleges.
The Chief Minister of West Bengal had earlier cancelled political nominations across education institutions to reduce political influence. Political observers viewed the BJP presidential appointments as a departure from BJP’s promise to keep education free from politics.
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