Actor Diganta Bagchi’s Appointment to WBPSC Sparks Debate
Kolkata : The West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) has appointed a new Chairperson and an entirely new panel of members, sparking controversy over one specific inclusion. Retired IAS officer Mahua Banerjee, who previously led the commission, has been replaced by retired IFS officer Debal Roy. Alongside him, five new members have been added, including television actor Diganta Bagchi.
Bagchi’s appointment has ignited a significant debate, especially on social media, where many people have questioned the choice of an actor for a role focused on recruiting civil servants. Former bureaucrats have also expressed their concerns.
Critics online have asked what qualifications Bagchi possesses for the role. Some have even resorted to sarcasm, joking that candidates appearing for interviews may now need to brush up on Bengali cinema. Others have questioned how he secured a place on the commission.
Bagchi, who has worked in the Bengali entertainment industry for over twenty years, addressed the controversy in a statement to Ei Samay Online. “I do not follow social media closely, so I am not aware of what is being said. This is an honorary position, and many others have filled it before. There is nothing more to it,” he stated.
Responding to claims that his ties to the ruling Trinamool Congress may have affected his appointment, Bagchi said, “People will say what they want. No one can stop that. I cannot argue with everyone. I respect all opinions. Most importantly, this is not a permanent position. While I am here, I will work sincerely.”
According to sources, most of the administrative duties within the commission rests with the Chairperson. These duties include deciding on the number of vacancies, setting recruitment timelines, coordinating with examiners and syllabus committees, selecting examination sites, and overseeing the administration of exams. Other members mainly support the Chairperson and participate in interview boards.
Some former bureaucrats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, mentioned that interview boards usually consist of prominent professors and senior officers. “He may be successful in his field, but it might have been better not to appoint him to this role,” one former official noted.
Even within the ruling party, there have been private questions raised about whether Bagchi has the necessary qualifications to help select government officials, judges, or assistant professors.
Trinamool Congress spokesperson Arup Chakraborty defended the appointment, stating that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has long supported the inclusion of people from various professional backgrounds in politics and administration. “Actors have enriched political discourse. Why should governance be limited to a few career politicians? Individuals from all sectors should take part in public administration. He is not the Chairperson, but an ordinary member. Those who focus on the negative are engaging in petty politics,” Chakraborty added.
The controversy underscores broader debates about qualifications, representation, and the evolving composition of public institutions in the state.
