Visva-Bharati seeks to undertake joint survey of Amartya Sen’s land

After Visva-Bharati University sent two missives to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen alleging that he was occupying portions of land leased to his family in an "unauthorized manner", university has said it wants to conduct a joint survey of the land along with the economist’s side.

In a statement, the central university sought a suitable date and time for the exercise from the economist.

“With reference to our earlier letters, we wish to inform you that the University wishes to jointly survey/demarcate the lands mutated in your favor for the remaining period of the lease under the lease entered into on October 27, 1943 vide Resolution No. 8 dated September 3, 2006 of the Executive Council of Visva Bharati and communicated to you on October 31, 2006,” the letter said Thursday.
The university said it would take two days to complete the survey, which is needed to clear the air.

Visva-Bharati has been claiming that Sen is in possession of 1.38 acres of land which is in excess of his entitlement of 1.25 acres. The economist repeatedly denied the charge.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee supported the economist last week and handed over land-related documents to the octogenarian during a visit to Birbhum district.