Visva Bharati to Amartya Sen: Hand over ‘unauthorized’ land in Santiniketan

Nobel laureate Amartya Sen

The Visva Bharati has urged the economist to hand over the portion of land to the central university, claiming that Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has been occupying parts of a plot of land in an “unauthorized” manner in West Bengal’s Santiniketan.

On Tuesday, a letter signed by the deputy registrar of the university said the residence of the noted economist has been built on an area, which covers extra 13 decimals of land. The university also said it was ready to undertake a joint survey of its representatives and the surveyor or advocate deputed by Sen to verify the claims if he wanted.

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Visva Bharati’s letter to Amartya Sen

“It has been found from records and physical survey/demarcation that you are in unauthorized occupation of 13 decimals of land belonging to Visva Bharati…” the letter said. “You are requested to hand over the said 13 decimals of land to the university at the earliest,” it added.

Visva Bharati Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chakraborty accused Sen’s family of being in illegal possession of land at the campus in January 2021.

The Nobel Laureate’s father Asutosh Sen had taken 125 decimals of land on lease from the varsity in 1943, its spokesperson Mahua Banerjee said.

The Nobel laureate had then said the plot of land was on a long-term lease. He or his family members could not be contacted for comments.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier alleged that Visva Bharati authorities were harassing Sen for his criticism of BJP’s policies and ideology. In response to Chief Minister, Sen wrote,” I am not only most touched, but also very reassured that despite the busy life you have to lead, you can find time for reassuring people under attack. Your voice, along with your full understanding of what is going on, for me, is a tremendous source of strength.”

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Spriha Rai