In a late-night development that ended a tense standoff, Higher Education Secretary and UGC Chairperson Vineet Joshi was finally allowed to depart from the Tezpur University campus around midnight on Saturday. His convoy had been blocked by protesters for nearly three hours before being permitted to exit.
Ministry Assurance Ends Deadlock
The breakthrough came only after the Ministry of Education provided a written assurance to the protesting students and staff. The ministry committed to a strict and time-bound inquiry into the alleged financial and academic irregularities of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh. Crucially, it was also assured that Prof. Singh would not administer the university during the pendency of this probe.
This assurance was conveyed through a handwritten note addressed to the Tezpur University Registrar by Joint Secretary in the MoE, Saumya Gupta, who was part of the visiting team. Gupta directed that the status quo be maintained until further orders. Following this communication, the university's Public Relations Officer confirmed on Sunday that Prof. Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya would continue as the acting Vice-Chancellor.
Protests Continue Despite Assurance
Despite the ministry's written commitment, the protesting university community has termed it a "preliminary step." The Tezpur University United Forum, representing students, faculty, and non-teaching staff, stated that their agitation would persist until a formal notification and concrete action are issued.
Administrative and academic buildings remain locked by students, with only urgent work being permitted. This ongoing disruption casts significant uncertainty over the semester-end examinations, which were rescheduled to begin on Monday. The forum emphasized their stance of complete non-compliance and non-cooperation until an official agreement is received, highlighting that their sustained agitation has now entered its 79th day.
Root of the Recent Escalation
The protests intensified last Thursday when a Board of Management meeting, convened by Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, recommended Prof. Joya Chakraborty for the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor. This move was strongly opposed by students and staff, who cited her limited administrative experience, further fueling the existing discontent on the campus.
The situation at Tezpur University remains fluid, with the student community standing firm on their demands while awaiting formal confirmation from the Ministry of Education. The immediate academic calendar, particularly the crucial semester examinations, hangs in the balance as the stalemate continues.
