The simmering discontent at Tezpur University has erupted into a full-blown crisis, with students and faculty demanding a thorough investigation into serious allegations against Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. The protests, which have drawn the attention of the Union Education Ministry, serve as a stark warning for the Centre regarding the selection of future VCs in central universities, according to concerned educationists.
From Zubeen Garg Tribute to Full-Scale Agitation
The historic town of Tezpur echoed with chants of "Shambhu Go Back" as Union Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi arrived on campus last Saturday to address the unrest. The initial spark was the VC's alleged disrespect towards late musical icon Zubeen Garg, by not suspending university activities during the state mourning period after his death in September. This perceived slight triggered unprecedented protests, forcing top officials to fly in from New Delhi.
However, the focus swiftly shifted from a single incident to a comprehensive critique of the VC's tenure. Students allege that Shambhu Nath Singh has been "absent" from the campus since September, adding to a pattern where he reportedly stayed outside the campus for months during his two-and-a-half-year term.
A Banner of Allegations: Crores in Questionable Spending
At the university entrance, a large banner meticulously lists the corruption charges demanding scrutiny. The financial allegations are substantial and specific:
- A library book purchase worth Rs 6.5 crore.
- A furniture procurement deal of Rs 15 crore.
- Appointment of a security company for Rs 70 lakh.
- A project expenditure of Rs 7 crore.
- Purchase of semiconductor equipment for Rs 1.5 crore.
The banner also highlights travel expenses totaling Rs 49 lakh, which are said to include three foreign trips. Alongside these, allegations of irregularities in recruitment, tendering processes, and projects funded by the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) are prominently displayed, uniting teachers, students, and staff in their demand for accountability.
Broader Grievances and Administrative Turmoil
Research scholar Xarodi Xandhya, leading the student protest, stated unequivocally that they would not settle for negotiations. "We want an investigation into financial and academic irregularities," she asserted. The grievances extend beyond finances. Students and staff have accused the administration of making dubious appointments of individuals with doubtful qualifications, forcing research scholars to teach classes for meagre pay, and arbitrarily removing guest faculty members.
Prof Kusum Kumar Bania, President of the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA), explained that the movement gained vigorous momentum after Zubeen Garg's death. As protests grew, non-teaching bodies joined forces. TUTA has prepared a detailed report for investigative agencies like the CBI. Several fact-finding teams from the state administration, the Governor's house, and New Delhi have already visited the university.
The situation took a dramatic administrative turn recently. Despite assurances from ministry officials after a TUTA delegation's visit to Delhi, the ministry allowed an "illegal" online Board of Management (BoM) meeting chaired by VC Singh. This meeting proposed appointing Prof Joya Chakraborty as Pro-VC, a move met with fierce opposition from students and faculty. Chakraborty later declined the post, acknowledging it would have superseded many senior faculty members.
In a subsequent development, senior faculty member Prof. Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya assumed the role of Acting VC as per the Tezpur University Act 1993, though this appointment still awaits formal ministry approval. This occurred after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma discussed the impasse with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, suggesting the appointment of a Pro-VC. However, the university community remains firm, demanding an independent inquiry and the appointment of a fully empowered Acting VC, rejecting the Pro-VC solution.
TUTA members are now calling for the Acting VC to be granted full financial and administrative powers to steer the university out of the crisis and restore normalcy. The ongoing probe into the allegations against VC Shambhu Nath Singh is being closely watched as a test case for governance and accountability in India's central universities.
