Full Breakdown
West Bengal Passes Bill Allowing Inter-University Transfer of University Staff
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Passage of the Amendment Bill
On September 10, 2026, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly approved the *West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026* by voice vote. The amendment adds Section 14A to the 2017 Act, authorising the Chancellor, in consultation with the state government, to transfer teaching and non-teaching employees from one state-run university to another for “administrative reasons.” It also provides for transfer grants, reimbursement of moving expenses, and seniority calculations based on the employee’s original appointment date.
Background & Context
The 2017 Act permits transfers only between colleges that belong to the same university. With new universities such as those in Jhargram and Cooch Behar, the state argues that the existing framework hampers the ability to address faculty shortages and share experienced staff across institutions.
Data & Statistics
- Legislative support: 171 MLAs voted in favour and 15 against, according to Assembly reports.
- Related legislation: The *West Bengal University Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026* seeks to place the provident funds of employees from 21 state-run universities under a common legal framework, covering institutions including Gour Banga University, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Rabindra Bharati University, and Presidency University.
Official Statements & Responses
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the amendment responds to “ground reality” and will enable experienced professors to guide newer universities on infrastructure, class delivery, and the creation of “centres of excellence.” He stressed that the provision will not affect PhD supervision or ongoing research projects.
- Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay introduced the bill, noting that it expands regulations to allow inter-university transfers for administrative purposes.
Criticism & Opposition
- CUTA President Sanatan Chattopadhyay urged detailed stakeholder consultations before the bill’s introduction.
- Opposition Leader Ritabrata Banerjee (Trinamool Congress) questioned the absence of “academic reasons” and warned the power could be used to target political opponents.
- Former IPS officer and Trinamool MLA Prasun Banerjee acknowledged legitimate administrative needs but cautioned against politicised use.
- CPI(M) MLA Md. Mostafijur Rahaman and Indian Secular Front MLA Nawshad Siddique echoed concerns about selective targeting of dissenting academics.
Verbatim Quote
- “We aim to make weaker universities stronger and independent by applying the Bill. There is a ground reality that necessitates the Bill,” — Suvendu Adhikari
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the voting procedure: the Indian Express cites a recorded vote of 171-15, while The Hindu describes the passage as a voice vote without exact numbers. Details on how seniority calculations will be operationalised remain undisclosed.
What’s Next
Having cleared the Assembly, the amendment will be incorporated into the state’s university administration framework, after which the Chancellor and state government can issue transfer orders under the new provisions.
