Tezpur University Shutdown Continues Amidst Demands for Vice-Chancellor's Removal

The protests at Tezpur University in Assam have entered their sixth day, with students demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. The situation escalated after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma proposed appointing a pro vice-chancellor, which the Tezpur University United Forum rejected, stating it misinterprets their demands. The university has been in turmoil for 76 days, with faculty and staff supporting the protests. The vice-chancellor has not been on campus since a confrontation with students in September. The ongoing agitation raises questions about the chief minister's motivations and the future of the university's leadership.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 13:46 IST

Ongoing Protests at Tezpur University

Guwahati, Dec 4: The protest at Tezpur University in Assam's Sonitpur district has now reached its sixth day, with students persistently calling for the ousting of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh.

University staff have also dismissed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's suggestion to appoint a pro vice-chancellor as a solution to the ongoing crisis.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF) criticized the chief minister's proposal, stating it demonstrates a significant misunderstanding of their long-standing demands.

“The Tezpur University community firmly rejects the Assam chief minister's recent comments regarding the campus crisis. His proposal for a pro vice-chancellor indicates a clear misinterpretation of our urgent request for an acting vice-chancellor,” the forum asserted.

The protests, organized by the TUUF, have created unrest on campus for several weeks. The forum noted that the university has been in a state of “turmoil” for 76 days, accusing the chief minister of remaining silent during this time.

“Our demands are clear: we seek the immediate suspension of the current vice-chancellor pending an investigation, the appointment of an acting vice-chancellor (not a pro-VC), and the release of all inquiry reports submitted to the authorities,” they added.

The forum also expressed skepticism regarding the timing of Sarma’s recent involvement, suggesting it may be a response to the heightened national attention on the issue.

“We question whether his actions stem from genuine concern or political motives,” the statement remarked.

This response followed Sarma's social media post indicating he had discussed the shutdown with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and urged the Centre to appoint a pro-VC while an impartial inquiry into the current VC's conduct is conducted.

On Thursday, State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi criticized the chief minister, claiming he is attempting to cover up the current VC's failures by suggesting a pro-VC.

“True leadership would involve supporting the faculty, staff, and students of this esteemed university,” he stated in a social media update.

In the meantime, a faculty member mentioned that the shutdown has been partially lifted for departmental emergencies and essential tasks for a few hours each morning since Wednesday.

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

The vice-chancellor has not been present on campus since September 22, when he was compelled to leave following a heated confrontation with students.