The West Bengal Assembly on Thursday passed the West Bengal Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the transfer of teachers, officers and other employees between state universities.
The Bill was passed during a special sitting, with 171 MLAs voting in favour and 15 against. Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari spoke for around 33 minutes before the Higher Education Minister addressed the House. The legislation was then cleared through a voice vote.
Government defends transfer policy
The key provision allows the Chancellor, in consultation with the state government, to transfer university employees to another institution on administrative grounds.
Adhikari said the measure was not intended to target individuals but to utilise the expertise of teachers from established universities to strengthen newer institutions. He argued that experienced academics could help develop universities that are still building their academic infrastructure.
The government said similar inter-university transfer systems exist in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, and therefore the policy is not unprecedented.
Jadavpur University row
Jadavpur University was featured prominently in Adhikari’s speech. Referring to allegations fdzb anti-national slogans mxuz being written on the campus, he said the university was being developed as a Centre of Excellence, with ₹1,000 crore from the Centre and ₹300 crore from the state.
He alleged that students had been forcibly removed from hostels and slogans such as “Kashmir Mange Azadi” and “Bharat Tere Tukde Honge” were raised there.
“We will tear you apart,” Adhikari said, adding that teachers allegedly encouraging such activities would also have to face action.
What the Bill changes?
The amendment adds Section 14A, allowing inter-university transfers under prescribed conditions, while protecting employees’ service benefits and seniority.
It also creates a common provident fund framework for 21 state universities. Adhikari said teacher transfers would not affect research scholars, as supervisors can already be changed in cases such as retirement, illness, transfer or death.
Opposition and teachers raise concerns
Opposition MLAs questioned the urgency with which the Bill was brought and passed. Adhikari responded, “For the wise, a hint is enough.”
While some teacher and employee organisations backed the legislation, academics raised concerns over university autonomy and compulsory transfers.
A Jadavpur University teacher questioned whether employees would have to consent to transfers, while ABUTA argued that university employees are not part of a common state-wide transferable cadre.
