Kolkata: Stating that student activism has reached a tipping point, former Governor of West Bengal MK Narayanan on Thursday said that students' union politics has reached a stage where unions have become mere extension of political parties.
"Student activism has reached a tipping point. This is transforming the University landscape across the country.
Student union politics have also reached the stage where unions are mere extensions of political parties. As a consequence of this, VCs, Deans and professors often face extended period of gherao highlighting the fact that Communalism on campuses has become more widespread," Mr Narayanan said.
Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of prominent universities of the country were invited to share their views on higher education.
The former Governor was speaking at a seminar organised by Neotia University (TNU), West Bengal, where Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of prominent universities of the country were invited to share their views on higher education.
Mr Narayanan made this statement when students' agitation in several universities in West Bengal has brought to light the issue of political interference affecting the "tranquil atmosphere of the campuses".
"It is evident that Universities are not in good shape. There is clearly an absence of the tranquil atmosphere.
There are segments of student, no doubt, who are intensely focused on their studies and keen to enhance their knowledge capabilities, but it would seem that the vast majority of student do not belong to his category. This partly explains the decline in the standard of University education," he said.
"The lack of an intellectual ferment possibly explains why Indian Universities figure nowhere in pecking order when it comes to grading Universities internationally," Mr Narayanan observed.
"Student activism has reached a tipping point. This is transforming the University landscape across the country.
Student union politics have also reached the stage where unions are mere extensions of political parties. As a consequence of this, VCs, Deans and professors often face extended period of gherao highlighting the fact that Communalism on campuses has become more widespread," Mr Narayanan said.
The former Governor was speaking at a seminar organised by Neotia University (TNU), West Bengal, where Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of prominent universities of the country were invited to share their views on higher education.
Advertisement
"It is evident that Universities are not in good shape. There is clearly an absence of the tranquil atmosphere.
Advertisement
"The lack of an intellectual ferment possibly explains why Indian Universities figure nowhere in pecking order when it comes to grading Universities internationally," Mr Narayanan observed.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Need To Be Careful About Aadhar Data Misuse: Ex-National Security Advisor CBI Crisis Should Be Resolved Within System: Ex-National Security Advisor Full Of Lies, Written To Make Money: Former NSA On "The Accidental PM" After Retest, Haryana NEET Centre With Most Top Scorers Gave This Result... The 'Fake' CrowdStrike Worker Who Took Credit For Biggest-Ever IT Outage What Recovery Of Austrian Gun 'Steyr AUG' From J&K Terrorists Means 5 People From Jharkhand's Jamtara Convicted For Money Laundering France Recalls Contaminated Olympic-Branded Water Bottles For Children Sara's Pilates Saturday Marked The Start Of An Active Weekend Routine Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.