Tezpur University Vice Chancellor Placed on Leave Amid Protests

Protests Lead to Action Against Tezpur University VC

New Delhi, Jan 2: Following nearly three months of protests by students and faculty demanding the resignation of Tezpur University Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, the Union Ministry of Education has instructed him to take immediate leave. An inquiry panel has also been established to investigate the allegations against him.

Protests at the university have been ongoing since mid-September, with demonstrators recently observing a 24-hour hunger strike to mark 100 days of their campaign.

According to a ministry official, “The VC is required to step back from all responsibilities and take leave until the inquiry is concluded.”

A three-member inquiry panel has been formed to look into the issues surrounding Tezpur University, including the allegations against the Vice Chancellor. This panel is expected to deliver its findings within three months.

Manipur University VC N Lokendra Singh will lead the committee, which also includes Nagaland University VC Jagadish Kumar Patnaik and UGC secretary Manish R Joshi.

In the meantime, Amrendra Kumar Das from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Design has been appointed as the Pro VC of Tezpur University.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently contacted Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting the prompt appointment of a Pro VC to help restore academic order on campus.

Tezpur University, one of Assam's two central universities established in 1994 under the Assam Accord, has faced significant unrest since September 27 of last year.

The atmosphere at the university has been charged, with students accusing the VC and administration of failing to honor cultural figure Zubeen Garg during the period of mourning following his death.

In addition to financial misconduct, the university community is also protesting against alleged environmental degradation occurring on the scenic campus under Singh’s leadership.

Following a heated confrontation with students on September 22, the VC has largely stayed away from the campus, with reports indicating he nearly had to escape the situation.

Since the protests began in September, at least 11 faculty members and officials have resigned or departed from the university.