JU course awaits recognition for five decades

KOLKATA: For decades, comparative literature students of Jadavpur University have been denied the right to take the SLET exams to teach in universities and colleges in the state, though they can take the exam at the national-level exam, NET.
Their plight doesn't end here. Students with honours in comparative literature can apply to the School Service Commission, but the subject is not recognized and they are registered as pass graduates, thus jeopardizing their chances of teaching at higher classes and getting better pay.
Formed in 1956, the department was the first of its kind in Asia. However, after five decades, it is yet to enjoy the patronage of the state government in terms of employment in the state colleges and schools. Students of the university are disgruntled. Arindam Banerjee, an undergraduate student of the discipline, said: "I like both English and Bengali and this is the only course which facilitates studying both. But it's disappointing that students have to face these hurdles. We keep hearing that the department is trying hard, but somewhere in the corridors of power, the cause gets lost."
On why the subject doesn't find place in the SLET syllabus, state higher education minister Sudarshan Roychowdhury said: "Multi-disciplinary subjects like comparative literature are like no man's land for which they are left out. However, we are working out a solution with the college service commission to introduce the subject." Officials of the commission could not be reached for comments.
The West Bengal State University in Barasat, too, is planning to start a course in comparative literature from July. Registrar Kamalesh Bhaumik said: "The council has agreed to introduce the course at the post-graduate level, but the decision has not been endorsed formally."
Former JU faculty member of comparative literature and academician Nabanita Deb Sen said: "As an idea, comparative literature has found its place but as a discipline, it still needs recognition. We have worked hard to accommodate the subject at other universities. I hope it is taught at more places and recognized on the home turf." Head of the department at JU, Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta, said: "We are trying to work out a solution."