NationalSunday, 13 September 2026·The Hindu - National
West Bengal inter-university transfer Bill, 2026: autonomy, consent and UGC-linked concerns
West Bengal teachers opposed the 2026 Bill allowing transfer of teaching and non-teaching staff across universities and colleges without employee consent.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In September 2026, the West Bengal government tabled the W.B. Universities and Colleges (Administration and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 on September 10, proposing transfer of teaching and non-teaching staff across universities and colleges in the State for administrative reasons.
Key specifics
- The Bill was tabled by Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay on September 10, 2026.
- Transfers can be made to any university or college across West Bengal for “administrative reasons”.
- The Bill mentions consultation with the Chancellor and the State government, but no employee consent provision.
- WBCUTA said many higher education institutes function with only 40% to 60% of sanctioned teaching strength.
- Teachers warned that supervisor transfers can affect PhD registration under University Grants Commission regulations.
Exam lens
Polity and education governance question: identify the Bill, the minister, the absence of employee consent, and the role of the Chancellor; TNPSC may ask about university autonomy, UGC-linked PhD rules, and administrative transfer powers.