Kolkata, 3 July (H.S.):

The West Bengal Higher Education Department has extended the tenure of governing bodies in all state-run colleges by six months. According to an official notification issued on Wednesday, the extended term will now remain valid until December 31.

The department stated that the move was aimed at ensuring continuity and stability in the administrative functioning of colleges. All concerned institutions have been informed of the decision, allowing them to plan accordingly.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Bratya Basu has expressed concern over the temporary closure of South Kolkata Law College, which had suspended academic activities following the recent Kasba gangrape incident. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Basu remarked, “Academic activities should not have been stopped. I need to understand what prompted the governing body to make such a decision. I hope students will be able to return to normalcy soon.”

The law college had halted classes after the alleged gangrape of a female student within its premises. However, administrative operations are continuing as usual. Principal Nayana Chattopadhyay and other faculty members are attending the college regularly.

On Wednesday, a five-member fact-finding committee from the University of Calcutta visited the college as part of an internal probe. Since the crime scene remains sealed due to the ongoing police investigation, the delegation inspected other parts of the campus and held discussions with officials. The visit concluded with a detailed conversation between the committee and the college principal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh