Kolkata, 03 June (H.S.) : The West Bengal Education Department has directed all state-run and government-aided colleges and universities to submit their audit reports within the next 30 days as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial accountability in higher educational institutions.

In a significant move, the department has also instructed institutions without elected students' unions to immediately stop collecting “students' union fees” from students. Officials pointed out that under existing rules, such fees cannot be collected in the absence of a duly elected students' union.

According to education department sources, no higher educational institution in the state currently has an elected students' union. Despite this, many colleges and universities have allegedly continued collecting students' union fees for years.

The department has asked authorities to provide detailed information in their audit reports regarding the amount collected as students' union fees during periods when no elected union existed. Institutions have also been directed to disclose how these funds were utilised and under which heads the expenditures were made.

Officials warned that disciplinary action could be initiated against institutions that fail to submit the required audit reports within the stipulated 30-day deadline.

The move is being viewed in academic circles as an attempt to identify possible financial irregularities within the state's higher education system. Observers believe the audit process could uncover misuse of funds or administrative lapses that may have gone unchecked in recent years.

The directive comes amid the BJP government’s ongoing efforts to reform the education sector since assuming office under Chief Minister . The administration has repeatedly emphasised transparency and accountability in educational institutions.

Earlier this month, the state government introduced reforms in the school education sector by announcing new rules for the election of governing body members. Under the proposed framework, governing body members will be elected rather than selected, a departure from the system followed during the previous administration.

The only exception under the new school governance model will be the post of governing body secretary, which will continue to be held by the headmaster or headmistress of the respective school by default.

The state government maintains that these measures are aimed at reducing political influence in educational institutions and ensuring greater transparency in their functioning.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh