The Union Ministry of Education (MoE) has placed Tezpur University Vice-Chancellor Professor Shambhu Nath Singh on compulsory leave following sustained protests by students and other stakeholders over alleged fiscal and administrative irregularities. The decision comes after nearly three months of unrest on the central university campus.
According to official sources, the MoE has also constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the Vice-Chancellor. The panel will examine claims related to financial mismanagement, administrative lapses and other issues raised by students, faculty and non-teaching staff.
The move follows continuous demonstrations led by students, who have accused the university administration of lack of transparency in financial matters, irregular appointments and decisions affecting the academic and ecological environment of the campus. Protesters have also alleged that repeated representations to the authorities failed to elicit any meaningful response, prompting them to intensify their agitation.
Despite welcoming the ministry’s decision to order a probe, student groups and employee unions said they would continue their protest until the inquiry is completed and accountability is fixed. They have demanded that the findings of the committee be made public and strict action be taken if the allegations are proven.
To ensure administrative continuity during the inquiry period, the Ministry has made interim arrangements by assigning additional responsibilities to senior officials. However, academic activities at the university have been partially disrupted, with classes and examinations affected due to the prolonged agitation.
Tezpur University, one of the premier central universities in the Northeast, has witnessed growing tension on campus since September last year. The developments have sparked a wider debate on institutional governance, financial accountability and stakeholder participation in higher education institutions.
The inquiry committee is expected to submit its report to the Ministry in the coming weeks, following which further action will be decided.
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