Students Demand Immediate Action Against University Leadership
Students at Tezpur University have launched a strong protest movement demanding the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. The students cite serious allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities that have brought the university to a standstill.
The student community is calling for a transparent investigation into these claims and advocating for the appointment of a new vice-chancellor to restore normalcy at the institution. Shambhu Nath Singh has been absconding since October, according to university sources, leaving critical administrative functions paralyzed.
Administrative Breakdown and Student Suffering
An anonymous university official confirmed the students' concerns, revealing that the absence of a provisional VC due to Singh's failure to make such an appointment has created severe administrative challenges. This situation violates the Tezpur University Act and has directly impacted students' academic progress.
Students are experiencing significant delays in examinations and evaluations, creating obstacles for those seeking employment or higher education opportunities. The difficulty in obtaining essential documents has compounded these problems, putting students' futures at risk.
Both the governor and the Union Ministry of Education had established a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter earlier, but the findings remain undisclosed to the public. With the vice-chancellor missing since October, all administrative processes have effectively halted.
Multiple Allegations Surface During Press Conference
During a recent press conference, students detailed numerous allegations against the absent vice-chancellor. Bhaskar Jyoti Bora, a student representative, stated that the university has suffered severe administrative and academic setbacks under Singh's leadership.
One of the most concerning allegations involves students being forced to pay for e-books that should be available as open-source materials. This unexpected financial burden has strained student resources, particularly affecting those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The physical infrastructure of the university has also deteriorated significantly. Students reported poor conditions in university buses and hostel facilities, despite projects being funded by the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA).
There is a complete lack of transparency and accountability in contract management, Bora alleged. While HEFA provides funding for infrastructure projects, the procurement of materials and awarding of contracts are not being handled properly, resulting in substandard hostel conditions.
Academic Facilities and Healthcare Concerns
The problems extend to academic facilities as well. Students pay a consumer fee ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 each semester for laboratory and computer access, yet the labs remain under-equipped with many computers non-functional.
Healthcare access on campus has become another major concern. The university lacks proper medicines, severely limiting students' ability to receive basic medical care when needed. This healthcare crisis adds to the growing list of grievances that have prompted the student protest movement.
As the situation continues to unfold, students remain determined in their demand for accountability and reform. They seek immediate intervention from educational authorities to address the multiple crises facing Tezpur University and restore the institution's academic integrity.
