The administrative crisis at North Bengal University (NBU) has deepened following the completion of Acting Registrar Bhaskar Biswas’s tenure, leaving the institution without both a regular Vice-Chancellor and Registrar at a crucial time. The development comes just as the university prepares to begin its admission process later this month.
NBU has been functioning without a permanent Vice-Chancellor for nearly three years, leading to delays in key academic and administrative decisions. University sources say the prolonged leadership vacuum has affected routine operations, with several agencies responsible for academic and administrative services expressing concern over continuing their work under the current circumstances.
Speaking on the issue, Bhaskar Biswas said his responsibility was to oversee the university’s academic and administrative functions in accordance with directives from the State Higher Education Department. He also thanked students, teachers, officers and staff for their support during his tenure.
The absence of permanent leadership has had a significant impact on the university. Convocation has not been held since 2018, and thousands of research scholars are still awaiting the award of their doctoral degrees despite completing their academic requirements. Delays have also been reported in financial approvals, research-related decisions, examination processes and the issuance of migration certificates.
Teachers’ and employees’ associations have urged the state government to appoint a regular Vice-Chancellor at the earliest, expressing hope that stable leadership will restore normal functioning and ensure the smooth administration of one of North Bengal’s premier higher education institutions.
