The West Bengal government has refused to comply with the UGC directives asking higher educational institutions to observe October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (national unity day).
In a circular to higher educational institutions on October 22, the UGC had called for observing October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel "in a befitting manner."
He said there had been similar instances in the past when UGC and MHRD had "done the same practice to keep the state government in dark" while asking educational institutions to celebrate certain days "in an one sided fashion."
The UGC circular, signed by Secretary Prof Rajnish Jain, had stated the occasion to celebrate 'Rashtriya Ekta Divas', "provides us an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country."