Tezpur University Appoints Acting Vice Chancellor Amid Ongoing Protests

Tezpur University has appointed Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya as acting vice chancellor amid ongoing protests against the current VC, Shambhu Nath Singh. The protests, which began in September, have led to a complete shutdown of the university, with students demanding an inquiry into alleged corruption. Bhattacharyya, a senior faculty member, has expressed readiness to take on the challenges of his new role. The situation marks a historic disruption in the university's academic schedule due to student-led actions, raising concerns about institutional integrity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 11:35 IST

Dramatic Leadership Change at Tezpur University

Tezpur, Dec 5: A significant shift occurred at Tezpur University on Friday when Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya, the most senior faculty member, took on the role of acting vice chancellor during a complete campus shutdown.

This development followed a Board of Management meeting led by Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, who has been at the center of protests since mid-September. During this meeting, Singh appointed Joya Chakraborty, a professor in Mass Communication, as pro-VC, a position she subsequently declined. In response, the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF) decided to maintain its indefinite shutdown, which began on November 29, demanding Singh's resignation due to allegations of corruption.

A senior professor noted that the university community united late Thursday night to invoke the Tezpur University Act of 1993, which permits the senior-most faculty member to assume leadership in such situations. Bhattacharyya, who specializes in Computer Science and Engineering, promptly notified the Ministry of Education about this transition.

“We anticipated a positive response from the ministry during our protests, but they remained unresponsive. The authorities seemed to be colluding with VC Singh, as evidenced by the recent pro-VC appointment,” a senior faculty member claimed.

Bhattacharyya acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “I am ready to take on this responsibility. Having served as acting vice chancellor and pro-VC previously, and with my experience at this university since 1995, I believe I can lead effectively.”

Students involved in the protests have insisted that the shutdown will persist until a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption and irregularities involving the VC is initiated.

As a result of the ongoing protests, all academic activities have been halted, leading to the cancellation of end-term examinations.

Both the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) and the Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA) have expressed their full support for the protests.

Singh has not been present on campus for nearly three months following confrontations with students on September 22. Since then, at least 11 faculty members and senior officials have either resigned or left the university.

Protesters assert that the evidence against Singh is compelling and that allowing him to remain in his position jeopardizes the integrity of the institution. This ongoing shutdown marks a historic moment for the university, as it is the first time academic schedules have been officially disrupted due to a student-led protest.