Show-Cause Notices Issued to 40 Raiganj University Assistant Professors Over Election Duty Absence

MP, April 30, 2026, Raiganj: In a significant development, the district election authorities of North Dinajpur have issued show-cause notices to 40 Assistant Professors of Raiganj University for failing to attend election duty training ahead of the Assembly elections.

Sources said that a total of 56 Assistant Professors from the university were deputed for election-related work during the first phase of the State Assembly polls held on April 23. While 16 professors attended the training and subsequently carried out their assigned duties, the remaining 40 failed to report, prompting the administration to take action.

The show-cause notices were reportedly sent to the university authorities on Monday afternoon, creating anxiety among the concerned faculty members. The professors have been asked to explain the reasons for their absence. Officials stated that if satisfactory explanations are not provided, legal action may be initiated against them as per election norms.

Durlav Sarkar, Registrar of Raiganj University, said: “The institution had earlier appealed to the district election authorities to consider exempting faculty members from poll duty in view of academic commitments,” and stated: “Around 10,000 students are enrolled in many courses including undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programmes. Engagement of a large number of professors in election duty could hamper academic activities. However, the university is bound to comply with the directives of the Election Commission. Professors concerned are now submitting their replies individually to the election authorities.”