India’s First Transgender Principal Resigns Citing Non-Cooperation From Staff

Krishnagar (WB): Manabi Bandopadhyay (51), India's first transgender college principal submitted her resignation citing "non-cooperation" from section of teachers and students. She was in office for about one-and-a-half years.

She said that she had been facing non-cooperation from a section of teachers soon after she took over as the principal of Krishnagar Women's College on June 9, 2015.

"I had received her letter of resignation from the post of Principal of Krishnagar Women's College in the district on December 27 and forwarded it to the state Higher Education department," said Sumit Gupta Nadia District Magistrate.

A four-member team, led by Joint Director of Public Instruction (DPI) RP Bhattacharjee, visited the college recently on a fact-finding mission and talked to the principal and teachers.

Manabi said, "All of my colleagues went against me. Some of the students went against me. I tried to bring back discipline and an atmosphere of education in the college. Most probably, that is why they went against me. I always got co-operation from the local administration, but never got it from my colleagues and students."

She went on to say that she had been under tremendous mental pressure and could not take it anymore, forcing her to resign.

"I feel tired due to the agitation and gherao by the students and teachers. I faced a lot of legal notices from their end. I had come to this college with new hopes and dreams but I was defeated," she said.