Bengal governor under probe for misspending of universities’ cash
The Bengal Higher Education Department has formed a committee to investigate the “validity of legal expenses” incurred by universities.
The inquiry arose following revelations that several state-supported universities used their funds to cover legal costs in support of Bengal’s governor CV Ananda Bose in a case contesting the state government’s authority in appointing acting vice-chancellors.
It is surprising to notice that state government-run institutions were engaging in a legal battle against the state itself at the behest of the governor. The governor holds the ex-officio position of chancellor in all state-supported universities in Bengal.
As per the notification issued by the special commissioner of the Higher Education Department, the committee will investigate the origins of the legal expenses incurred by the universities.
It has been recorded that Calcutta University spent more than Rs 10 lakh towards legal expenses, while Jadavpur University used approximately Rs 60,000.
The committee has been directed to submit its report within a month.
