After days of outrage, authorities of the Jadavpur University on January 16 sprung into action.
The University divested professor Kanak Sarkar, who made sexist comments on social media, of his teaching duties. “In view of the recommendations of the Student Teaching Committee of his department (International Relations), he is divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect,” Head of Department (IR) Omprakash Mishra said.
Last week, a Facebook post of Mr. Sarkar titled “Virgin Wife” triggered a fury on social media. Students held protests in the university and boycotted his classes.
Speaking on the developments Suranjan Das, Vice Chancellor of JU, said that the student teacher committee of the department has found that many statements made by the professor were sexist and unfortunate. Prof Das said that Internal Complaints Committee of the University is looking in the allegations against him and till the time the investigation is on, Mr. Sarkar will not be allowed inside the campus.
Mr. Das said that the West Bengal Commission for Women has issued summons to the Prof Sarkar and the University has also received a letter from National Commission for Women ( NCW) regarding Mr. Sarkar’s remarks.
"NCWIndia has taken Suo Motu cognisance of objectionable statements made by a #Jadavpur University professor. A team from @NCWindia, led by Smt. @sharmarekha, will meet the University's Vice Chancellor to discuss the matter during their scheduled visit to #WestBengal this week,” NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma tweeted on January 15.
