Bengal’s Kalyani University VC alleges seat-for-money scam

Kolkata: Alleging a seat-for-money scam, the vice chancellor of Kalyani University has written to the West Bengal government that more students than the sanctioned strength were admitted to a college, and has sought a probe.

Kalyani University vice chancellor Rattan Lal Hangloo has written to the state government, alleging that more students have been admitted to the Bhaktabala B.Ed. College in Nadia district in return for money.

“The rule is for 100 students, but they have taken more. This means somebody has taken money and given admissions. We have sent a report to the state government seeking a probe,” said Hangloo.

Several students have alleged that the general secretary of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad at the university has taken money, assuring them of admission to the college.

Confirming the allegations, the secretary of the college governing body, Amar Biswas said that Rs.60,000 to Rs.1.5 lakh has been paid by the students seeking admission to the college.

“Some said they have given Rs.80,000, while some others said they gave Rs.60,000. A few of them have given around Rs.1.50 lakh. So we approached the VC, who asked us to direct these students to file a written complaint, giving details of who all have taken money to give the admission,” said Biswas.

Reacting to the allegations, Trinamool secretary general and state Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said a probe has been ordered.

“I have ordered a probe but as the secretary general and not as the education minister. If something wrong is found, suitable action will be taken,” Chatterjee said.