The West Bengal Assembly on Thursday passed the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the legislation now awaiting the Governor’s assent.
The special session was convened specifically to consider the Bill. During the debate, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari repeatedly referred to Jadavpur University, alleging that sections within the institution were promoting separatist sentiments and attempting to create what he described as a “different state” within the university.
In a strong warning directed at what he called the “tukde tukde gang”, Adhikari said, “We will break the tukde tukde gang into pieces.”
The Chief Minister said the legislation was necessary and assured the Assembly that it would not be misused. He also said that slogans such as “Kishenji Lal Salaam”, “Free Palestine” and “Kashmir Mange Azadi” would not be allowed to be written inside universities.
Teachers, staff transfers under new Bill
Explaining the proposed changes, Adhikari said teachers and non-teaching staff from eight older universities in the state would be transferred to relatively newer universities. The government said the move was aimed at enabling newer institutions to benefit from the experience and expertise available in older universities.
Taking a dig at sections seeking to establish what he described as “so-called socialism”, Adhikari said, “We want to utilise the great intellect of those who want to establish so-called socialism in the new universities. What is the objection to that?”
Jadavpur University featured repeatedly in the Chief Minister’s speech, alongside his criticism of Left-wing ideology.
Government says provision is not unprecedented
Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chatterjee said the Bill did not introduce an entirely new mechanism. According to him, teacher transfers between educational institutions have been in practice for a long time and are also possible in central universities under certain circumstances.
Adhikari also cited Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, saying similar provisions were already followed in those states.
The government maintained that the proposed system was therefore not an unprecedented intervention in higher education.
Opposition questions urgency and possible misuse
During the debate, TMC MLA Alifa Ahmed of Kaliaganj, ISF MLA Nausad Siddiqui of Bhangar and CPM MLA Mostafizur Rahman of Domkal raised concerns over the possible misuse of the new legislation.
They questioned the urgency with which the Bill had been brought before the House and sought clarification on the need for the proposed changes.
Responding to the questions, Adhikari said, “For those who understand, a hint is enough.”
Alifa argued that if the objective was to improve the quality of education, other measures could have been considered without introducing transfers.
Defending the provision, Chatterjee said the government would not interfere in academic matters but would exercise its administrative powers when required.
“If arbitrariness takes place in the name of autonomy, then this Bill will be the weapon. We will not interfere in the academic field. Since we have the right in administrative matters, we will transfer teachers as required,” the Higher Education Minister said.
