West Bengal Government Requests Change in Law Exam Date Amid Political Controversy

Change of Exam Date Requested

The Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, Santi Dutta, announced on Friday that the West Bengal government has requested a change in the date of the undergraduate law examination scheduled for August 28. This date coincides with the founding day of the Trinamool Congress Student Union (TMCP).

Official Justification for the Request

A letter signed by a senior special secretary from the higher education department justified this request, stating that altering the exam date would be in the best interest of most students. However, Dutta firmly stated, 'I will not change the exam date under pressure. The decision is not solely mine. An emergency meeting of the university will be convened soon to make a collective decision.'

Concerns Over Political Influence

Dutta expressed concerns that the letter appears to favor a political party and undermines the university's autonomy. She emphasized that the exam date had been set well in advance and did not conflict with any holidays.

Political Accusations and Responses

Trinamool leaders have accused the Vice-Chancellor of acting on behalf of the BJP, while Dutta countered that the pressure to change the exam date reflects an unhealthy mix of student politics and governance.