A vast majority of NUJS Kolkata’s student body last Friday (23 September) signed a Student Juridical Association resolution (see copy below) expressing their “deep dissatisfaction” with NUJS vice chancellor (VC) Ishwara Bhat.
One day before Bhat won a second term of five years as VC at NUJS, 476 students out of 625 signed a general body meeting (GBM) resolution by circulation affirming the “poor state of affairs” at the law school under Bhat’s administration for the past five years and his unsatisfactory responses to their questions on 21 September.
The students’ 23 September resolution noted that Bhat failed to deliver on the promises he made to the student body in the Student Juridical Association’s (SJA) January 2014 GBM, and then failed to respond satisfactorily to most points raised in the SJA’s 21 September 2016 GBM.
The resolution expresses the student body’s “utter dissatisfaction with the inadequate and evasive responses” given by Bhat at the 21 September meeting.
It was signed and circulated by students after the SJA produced a 20-page report, running to around 200 pages with annexures,
It is understood that the students had also submitted the resolution to several executive committee (EC) members but Bhat’s term was quickly renewed by the EC, which also saw a last-minute tabling of a West Bengal government proposal to set up two new NUJS campuses and to double the intake of students.
We have reached out to Bhat for comment earlier today with a copy of the resolution.
In the resolution the SJA general body expressed “deep disappointment” on the following counts (we have added links to previous Legally India reports on some of these):
- Unexplainable delay in the constitution of a university review commission, which is overdue under the university’s charter
- Not implementing basic transparency norms in university body meetings
- NUJS annual reports suggest limited academic and research output between 2011 and 2015 – Bhat’s term
- Neither has the quality of faculty at NUJS been revived, nor has the mass exodus of faculty been remedied, despite the recruitment drive of 2014, resolved students
- Undue delay in implementing executive council resolutions for creation of a moot court fund and soliciting sponsorship funds for NUJS students, creation of a Right to Information cell and records section, complying with the Bar Council of India’s report that contained suggestions to remedy serious administrative lapses at NUJS
- Undue and unjustified delay of three years in formulating and notifying a sexual harassment policy and grievance redressal mechanism for students
- Not implementing several crucial academic reforms that were even approved by NUJS faculty several months ago
- Consistent inaction on repairing NUJS’ ageing internet infrastructure
- Continuing with the allegedly illegal interior decoration contract an expensive inquiry into which led to the dismissal of NUJS registrar Surajit Mukhhopadhyay for allegedly causing financial loss to NUJS through the contract
- The lack of action against university officers allegedly involved in financial embezzlement of NUJS funds
- NUJS having not yet claimed the UGC’s financial grant of Rs 7.37 crore to it despite consistently facing a financial crunch that has resulted in frequent substantial hike in student fee in the last three years
Comments
But Kian isn't there a way to get MSM to take notice of this? Only then will some action happen.
Don't worry about a court case affecting the reputation of the college. NUJS is still well regarded and alumni will continue to support recruitment. On the contrary, if he continues then the reputation of the college will be harmed, and even alumni will find it difficult to recruit (no least because he has snubbed senior and accomplished alumni who wanted to help the college and give scholarships).
Could it be possible to get EVERY SINGLE STUDENT to sign a no-confidence motion seeking his resignation? That will create history and surely get the CJI to take notice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF5EFiKfDO4
What language is he replying in? Doesn't sound like English to me.
High Court petition against Ishwar Bhat.
[b]When do we want it?[/b]
Now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nos5GgBx4p0
As regarding internet problem is internet for research works or making fun and watching movies?? I think it is time petition is filed to EC against wonderful conduct of NUJS BALLB students (smoking, drinking, immoral activities etc).
It's a shame to think people like you belong to the legal community.
Let's tell them that your academic credentials and contribution are both nil. You're either [...], [...] or [...]. In any case, half the students can teach and the serve better than you.
Most importantly, (I hope at least this is not censored), enough with your stupid and empty threats. Petition the EC if you have to, don't comment here anonymously.
It is [b]only[/b] because of [b]VC's administrative abilities [/b]that he is being criticised for. Try understanding this.
As about teachers, good English is really important. One may be an expert or a storehouse of knowledge but if you cannot communicate it to the students properly then unfortunately you are a bad teacher. Being an expert is one requirement out of many for a good teacher.
And if you are teaching at NUJS but traditional universities are more respected, then you can also go to one of them. Why stay?