Presidency University clears stand on HoD row

KOLKATA: Presidency University authorities have asked Nandita Bagchi, head of the political science department, to continue as the head of the philosophy department.
“We have asked her to look after the administrative decisions of the philosophy department since its former head has resigned. We did not get time to find the replacement as she preferred to leave the university in a hurry.This arrangement is temporary and we shall soon begin recruitment,” said university vice-chancellor Anuradha Lohia.
“Appointing the head of one department to temporarily discharge administrative duties of another department is not something against university laws. The crunch of teacher, which is being projected as a reason for the decision, is not true. We invite guest lecturers as well in absence of permanent faculty. We will soon start the recruitment process. The shortage of teachers is not a recent development.”
A section of the Presidency faculty also wants the university to take a relook at its selection procedure. “Human resource won’t be a problem. There were many brilliant candidates willing to serve Presidency, sacrificing their salary. They didn’t even get a call. But the university needs to find out what is dampening the spirit,” a senior teacher said.