In a significant administrative reshuffle within West Bengal's higher education sector, the state government has appointed a new leadership team for the College Service Commission. The changes, effective from Thursday, see a new chairperson and controller taking charge of the crucial body responsible for college service appointments.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Souren Bandyopadhyay has been appointed as the new chairperson of the College Service Commission, replacing Dipak Kumar Kar. The appointment was officially notified by the state's higher education department. Simultaneously, Subhranil Some, the principal of Bhairab Ganguly College, has taken over as the controller, succeeding Selim Box Mandal, who had joined the position only a few months prior.
The official notice from the department stated that the change in chairmanship was necessitated because Dipak Kumar Kar has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Vidyasagar University. However, sources within the education circles indicate that the move followed complaints regarding alleged irregularities in the commission's interview process. These complaints were reportedly submitted directly to the higher education department and the Chief Minister's office.
Behind the Official Reasoning
While the department's notification cites Kar's elevation to VC as the reason for the change, insiders suggest a deeper context. The alleged irregularities in the interview process had become a point of contention, prompting the administrative intervention. Attempts by media outlets to reach the outgoing chairperson, Dipak Kumar Kar, for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.
The outgoing controller, Selim Box Mandal, who has now taken charge as the Registrar of Jadavpur University (JU), welcomed the decision. He stated that it would have been challenging for him to perform effectively in both demanding administrative positions simultaneously.
Commitment to Betterment
The newly appointed chairperson, Souren Bandyopadhyay, expressed his commitment to his new role. "I will try to deliver my best effort for the betterment of the commission," Banerjee said, outlining his focus on steering the body towards greater efficiency and transparency.
This reshuffle comes at a time when the higher education sector in West Bengal is under scrutiny for streamlining recruitment and administrative processes. The new appointees are expected to address the concerns raised and ensure the smooth functioning of the College Service Commission, a pivotal institution for academic staffing in the state.
