The Suvendu Adhikari‑led BJP government in West Bengal tabled an amendment bill in the state assembly on Thursday that would allow the transfer of teaching and non‑teaching staff between state universities.
The West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was approved by the cabinet on September 8 and seeks to add a provision to Section 14A of the 2017 Act. The amendment would give the administration the power to move employees from one university to another as needed.
Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay presented the bill during a special assembly session. The chief minister called the measure “important and necessary” and said its passage would be “historic.” However, teachers’ associations and academics have opposed the proposal, arguing that it could compromise institutional autonomy and create opportunities for selective targeting of teachers.
Adhikari explained that the bill responds to a “ground reality” and that experienced professors would be transferred to newly established universities, such as those in Jhargram and Cooch Behar. He said the professors would help shape infrastructure, teaching methods and the development of these institutions into centres of excellence.
