A day after Narendra Modi described Jadavpur University as a “symbol of anarchy” under the rule of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the institution’s teachers’ body pushed back, asserting that the university continues to enjoy global recognition as a centre of excellence despite financial challenges.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA) emphasised the university’s contributions not only to academics and research but also to the advancement of social justice. The association argued that the institution has met all criteria for the government’s prestigious “Institute of Eminence” tag but has been denied the designation.
Modi, speaking at an election rally in Baruipur within the Jadavpur Lok Sabha constituency on Friday, criticised the campus climate, alleging a decline from its earlier reputation. He said the university, once widely respected for its academic legacy, is now marked by unrest, with students allegedly being pressured into protests.
Responding sharply, JUTA underscored the university’s historical roots in India’s anti-colonial movement and its continued commitment to intellectual freedom. “Jadavpur University was born out of the anti-British struggle and carries forward the legacy of the freedom movement,” the statement said, adding that its achievements have come through the collective efforts of students, faculty, and alumni despite “severe financial constraints.”
The association also raised concerns over funding shortages, claiming that allocations under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) have not been released by the Centre. It further alleged that both central and state governments have failed to adequately address the university’s financial needs.
JUTA additionally criticised what it described as moves to weaken the University Grants Commission (UGC), warning that such steps could disrupt funding to public universities. It accused the Centre of favouring private institutions, citing support extended to entities like Jio Institute.
“The government cannot abdicate its responsibility of sustaining public institutions,” the statement said, stressing that preserving the heritage and dignity of Jadavpur University is a shared obligation.
Reaffirming its stance, JUTA said the university remains committed to academic excellence, freedom of thought, and the pursuit of knowledge, while upholding its long-standing ideals of patriotism and public service.
(With inputs from PTI)