Bengal Governor removes Gour Banga University VC over duty neglect, corruption allegations
Kolkata: West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Wednesday removed Gour Banga University Vice-Chancellor Pabitra Chattopadhyay over alleged dereliction of duty and graft charges.
According to Raj Bhavan sources, the convocation at the Malda-based university was scheduled for August 25. Despite the Chancellor’s directive to go ahead with the event, Chattopadhyay failed to organise it. The convocation has not been held since 2017 due to recurring disputes between the state government and the Governor’s office.
The Governor’s decision came days after the university’s Inspector of Colleges accused Chattopadhyay of demanding ₹3 lakh to cover legal expenses. Cases over alleged irregularities have already been filed in the Calcutta High Court.
Raj Bhavan stated, “The authorisation granted to Professor Pabitra Chattopadhyay to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gour Banga is annulled with immediate effect.”
Governor Bose had appointed Chattopadhyay as interim Vice-Chancellor in April 2024 from a list of state nominees. Raj Bhavan sources said the step was necessary to maintain transparency and integrity in West Bengal’s higher education system
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PM leads mega roadshow in Sikkim, to attend celebrations marking 50 years of statehood on Tuesday
Gangtok (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mega roadshow in Gangtok on Monday evening after arriving in Sikkim to attend the closing ceremony of 50 years of statehood celebrations.
Modi, who wore a traditional Bhutia cap and a Lepcha coat, was received at the Libing helipad by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
From the helipad, the PM began the roadshow, which concluded at Lok Bhavan, where he will stay overnight.
On the open vehicle, Modi was flanked by CM Tamang on his left and state BJP president D R Thapa on his right.
Large crowds lined the roads for hours, waving national flags and waiting to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
As his convoy moved slowly through the city, people broke into celebrations. Some enthusiastic supporters chanted "Modi, Modi, Modi", while a few women were seen showering flower petals in his direction.
Modi acknowledged the cheering crowds by waving continuously.
Tamang was also seen urging the gathered people to cheer for the PM during the roadshow.
The route of the roadshow was decorated, with arch gates erected at several points and large cut-outs of Modi placed along the roads.
On Tuesday, Modi will visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok. To commemorate the golden jubilee of Sikkim's statehood and showcase the state's ecological and floral heritage, the 'Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari' Park has been developed as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre.
The PM will also participate in the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will unveil development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore.
The projects cover several sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture.
Modi is also scheduled to address the gathering on the occasion.
He was expected to attend the opening ceremony of the year-long celebrations last year, but could not reach the venue due to inclement weather. However, he addressed the event virtually from Siliguri in neighbouring West Bengal.
Tamang later thanked the people for giving the grand reception to the PM during the hour-long roadshow in the state capital.
"With immense fervour and heartfelt enthusiasm, the people of Sikkim accorded a grand and resounding welcome to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on his arrival in Gangtok," he said in a social media post.
Tamang said people from all walks of life gathered in large numbers to greet him, reflecting the deep respect and warm affection the people of Sikkim hold for his leadership.
"It was indeed an honour to join him during the roadshow and witness the overwhelming love and support of the people firsthand," he said.
