Saraswati Puja funds protests erupt across Kolkata colleges as students clash over budget and control of arrangements ahead of the festival. In a series of incidents that began on Sunday night, students at several prominent institutions demanded higher allocations and greater autonomy in spending, leading to heated confrontations and injuries.
Background and Context
Saraswati Puja, the Hindu festival honoring the goddess of learning, is a major cultural event for students in West Bengal. Colleges traditionally organize elaborate celebrations, complete with music, dance, and a ceremonial offering of sweets and flowers. The event is not only a religious observance but also a showcase of institutional pride and student camaraderie.
In recent years, the allocation of funds for these celebrations has become a contentious issue. With rising costs of decorations, performers, and catering, many students feel that the budgets set by college administrations are insufficient. The situation was further inflamed by a high-profile rape incident at a south‑Kolkata law college last year, which heightened sensitivity around campus safety and governance.
Against this backdrop, the current wave of Saraswati Puja funds protests reflects deeper concerns about transparency, student representation, and the equitable distribution of resources.
Key Developments
At the Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, students staged a sit‑in in the administration office, demanding that the Rs 50,000 fund be increased to Rs 70,000 and that the money be handed over directly to a student‑led committee. “We want the money to be used for what we actually need,” said a senior student, who asked to remain anonymous. The college’s principal, Sunanda Goenka, clarified that in the absence of an elected student union, a faculty member appointed by the governing body would manage the funds.
Meanwhile, at a south‑Kolkata law college that had previously dealt with a rape allegation, the administration announced a strict timetable for the puja: all activities must conclude by 2 pm, and participation is limited to students who have completed their coursework. Vice‑principal Nayna Chatterji explained that the restrictions were intended to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety. “We are making it clear that everything has to be completed by 2 pm,” she said. However, a group of students argued that the budget was too low and that the timing constraints were unfair.
In the night section of Behala College’s Rabin Mukherjee College, a clash erupted between two student groups over the organization of the puja and a planned college picnic. Police reports indicate that several students were injured, with at least five requiring medical attention. The incident has prompted the college administration to call for calm and to review its conflict‑resolution protocols.
Across the city, social media posts show students holding banners that read “Higher Funds, Greater Freedom” and “Students’ Voice Matters.” The protests have attracted the attention of local media, student associations, and the West Bengal government’s Higher Education Department.
Impact Analysis
For students, the protests underscore a growing sense of disenfranchisement. Many feel that their voices are ignored when it comes to decisions that directly affect their cultural and academic experience. The financial strain is also palpable: with the cost of decorations and performers rising, a Rs 50,000 budget can cover only a fraction of the desired activities.
From an administrative perspective, the incidents highlight challenges in balancing safety, fiscal responsibility, and student engagement. The recent rape case has made campus security a top priority, leading to stricter controls that some students perceive as restrictive. The clash at Rabin Mukherjee College also raises concerns about campus violence and the need for better mediation mechanisms.
In the broader context, the protests could influence policy at the state level. If the Higher Education Department takes notice, it may consider revising guidelines for festival funding, encouraging the formation of student unions, or providing additional grants for cultural events.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
- Transparent Budgeting: Colleges should publish a detailed breakdown of the puja budget, including line items for decorations, performers, and contingency funds. This transparency can reduce mistrust and allow students to propose realistic adjustments.
- Student Representation: Establishing an elected student committee to oversee the puja can give students a sense of ownership. Even if the committee does not have final approval, it can act as an advisory body to the administration.
- Conflict Resolution Protocols: Institutions should adopt clear procedures for addressing grievances. A neutral mediator, possibly from the local university or a student welfare organization, can help deescalate tensions before they turn violent.
- Safety Measures: While safety is paramount, it need not come at the cost of student participation. Flexible timing, staggered entry, and adequate security personnel can accommodate both safety and engagement.
- Financial Planning: Colleges can explore sponsorships from local businesses or alumni donations to supplement the puja budget. A small fundraising event a month before the festival can also raise additional funds.
Students are advised to document their concerns in writing and submit them to the administration through official channels. Engaging with student unions, if available, can amplify their voice. For those who wish to take a more proactive role, forming a small working group to draft a budget proposal can demonstrate initiative and cooperation.
Looking Ahead
As Saraswati Puja approaches, the immediate priority for colleges is to restore calm and ensure that the festival proceeds safely. The West Bengal government has announced a review of cultural event funding guidelines, which may lead to increased allocations for colleges that demonstrate transparent budgeting and student participation.
In the longer term, the protests could catalyze reforms in student governance. Several institutions are already exploring the establishment of student unions, which would give students a formal platform to negotiate budgets and event planning. If successful, such unions could become a standard feature across West Bengal’s higher education landscape.
For students, the key takeaway is that their voices matter. By engaging constructively with college administrations, advocating for transparent processes, and participating in conflict‑resolution initiatives, they can shape the future of campus culture and ensure that festivals like Saraswati Puja remain vibrant and inclusive.
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