In a dramatic escalation of a prolonged standoff, the Tezpur University community launched a 24-hour hunger strike on Monday. This intense form of protest marks the 100th day of their continuous agitation, with their central demand remaining the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof Shambhu Nath Singh.
A Century of Protest and Unanswered Demands
The united protest, spearheaded by unions representing students, faculty, and non-teaching employees, has been ongoing since September 21. It has gained momentum amidst serious allegations of financial and academic mismanagement against VC Singh. Protesters highlight that the Vice-Chancellor has been absent from the campus for over three months and is reportedly "absconding."
Despite numerous appeals and promises, the protesters accuse the Ministry of Education (MoE) of failing to take any concrete, decisive action. The Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF), the joint platform leading the movement, stated that the extended deadlock exposes deep-rooted administrative inaction and a troubling lack of transparency in the institution's governance.
Academic Paralysis and Warnings of Further Escalation
The stalemate is now causing tangible academic disruption. Student representative Tonoy P Neog revealed that the university's annual convocation, typically held in December, had to be cancelled this year due to the crisis. Neog issued a stern warning that if the MoE continues to delay action against the VC or a credible investigation into the allegations, the unrest will persist, severely damaging research and academic operations.
"We may go for an indefinite hunger strike next. The government will be responsible for such a situation," Neog declared, indicating the possibility of more severe protests ahead.
Appeals for Intervention and an Administrative Vacuum
Gautam Sarma, President of the Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association, made a direct appeal to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene proactively. He stressed the national importance of Tezpur University, a central institution established as part of the historic 1985 Assam Accord, arguing that its instability has wider public and historical consequences.
Compounding the crisis is a leadership vacuum. In the absence of both the VC and a Pro-VC, senior professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya was appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor earlier this month, with reported support from most campus stakeholders. However, his position lacks the formal approval of the MoE.
Prof Rupam Kataki of the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) explained that this lack of authorisation cripples the acting head's ability to make crucial financial and administrative decisions. "While emergency services are being managed, the lack of formal authorisation has limited the acting head’s ability to exercise financial powers," Kataki said. He added that without clear MoE directives recognising his role, Prof Bhattacharyya cannot approve major expenditures or other vital decisions.
Faculty members are particularly concerned as the financial year-end approaches, with key governance decisions pending. Kataki also warned that the unresolved crisis threatens to disrupt the upcoming academic session, expected to start around May-June, potentially affecting admissions and institutional readiness.
