West Bengal University's Faculty Stressed Over Election Duties

Faculty members at West Bengal's Visva Bharati University are under severe stress from election-related duties according to a letter sent to Vice Chancellor Probir Kumar Ghosh. In their plea, dated April 26, the teachers cite mental and physical exhaustion from continuous deployment and travel demands across districts.

The faculty, who have been assigned roles during the ongoing West Bengal assembly elections, expressed difficulty meeting the demanding schedule. Duties in various districts, including locations as remote as Sagar Island, require immediate mobilization, thus pushing the limits of available transport options.

Despite understanding the importance of their roles, the teachers argue that the logistical arrangements are untenable and detract from their primary educational responsibilities. The Election Commission acknowledged receipt of the letter but indicated a lack of flexibility in altering the schedule amidst ongoing logistical preparations.

(With inputs from agencies.)