The state Higher Education Department has initiated steps to introduce financial audits of universities and government-aided colleges by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). On Tuesday, the department formally approached the state government seeking approval to begin the audit process.

According to Higher Education Minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay, the move follows repeated complaints alleging financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities in several higher education institutions. The proposed audits are intended to improve financial accountability and strengthen oversight across the sector.

The minister also indicated that the exercise aligns with the state's commitment to transparency and the preparation of a white paper on governance. The audit findings are expected to be placed before the Constitutional Corruption Commission as part of this process.

He warned that any individual found responsible for financial misconduct during the audit would face appropriate legal and administrative action. This accountability, he said, would apply not only to current institutional authorities but also to former office-bearers if evidence establishes their involvement.

Referring to corruption cases that surfaced during the tenure of the previous administration, Chattopadhyay noted that several senior education officials, including a former education minister, a former university vice-chancellor, a former School Service Commission chairperson, and the former president of the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, had been arrested in connection with the recruitment scam. He stated that the present government's priority is to ensure that higher education institutions function with integrity and remain free from corruption.

The minister further announced plans to reform the governance structure of universities and state-aided colleges by reducing political involvement. He said the department is working towards ensuring that governing bodies operate independently, with greater emphasis on academic administration and institutional accountability. Formal guidelines outlining these changes are expected to be issued in the coming week.

Highlighting the government's broader vision, Chattopadhyay said the administration aims to create an environment where educational institutions focus on academic quality rather than political influence. While infrastructure already exists in many government and aided colleges, he observed that stronger monitoring and supervision are necessary to improve institutional performance.

The minister also expressed concern over the functioning of some private institutions, alleging that certain colleges have prioritised awarding degrees over maintaining educational standards. He stated that the government intends to take a stricter approach toward such institutions to safeguard the quality of higher education in the state.

On the issue of student politics, Chattopadhyay said that elections in colleges and universities would be considered only after reforms in the higher education system are implemented and regular academic activities are fully restored, with students returning to classrooms.