Tezpur University students recently began end-term examinations while maintaining an ongoing campus shutdown. Students, operating under the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF), demand the immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and a thorough inquiry into alleged financial irregularities. This student movement has now continued for over 85 days.
Students agreed to sit for their examinations this week. This decision followed a request from acting Vice-Chancellor Dhurba Kumar Bhattacharya. Despite this, all other university operations and activities remain suspended. Protesters confirmed that the complete shutdown will resume and intensify once exams conclude, persisting until all their demands are met.
Demands and Allegations
The primary demand centers on initiating a transparent inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement by Vice-Chancellor Singh. Beyond financial concerns, students also protest alleged environmental damage, specifically deforestation, carried out under Singh’s administration. The conflict escalated significantly in mid-September. Students then accused VC Singh and university authorities of disrespecting the late cultural icon Zubeen Garg, an incident that further fueled student unrest.
The Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF) is a joint platform representing students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. It has organized and spearheaded these protests. TUUF maintains that the university will remain closed until the Centre issues a formal communication regarding the Vice-Chancellor’s removal.
Ministry of Education’s Stance
TUUF has publicly expressed deep disappointment and concern over the Ministry of Education’s prolonged delay in providing an official response. The ministry previously offered an informal written assurance that an inquiry into Singh’s conduct would commence. However, it has failed to issue any formal communication or actionable directive to the university community regarding this matter.
Raising questions about the ministry’s commitment, TUUF has challenged whether the Ministry of Education prioritizes safeguarding the students’ future or is more invested in shielding Vice-Chancellor Singh. The forum stresses that only a transparent, official, and time-bound response from the ministry can restore trust and bring stability to Tezpur University.
Key Events Timeline
- Mid-September: Initial tensions surfaced, marked by student accusations against Vice-Chancellor Singh, specifically regarding disrespect towards Zubeen Garg.
- September 22: A direct and heated confrontation between VC Singh and students occurred on campus, resulting in Singh’s hurried departure from the scene.
- November 29: A comprehensive shutdown of Tezpur University commenced, initiated by the joint forum of stakeholders.
- December 4: Vice-Chancellor Singh convened a virtual meeting of the Board of Management (BOM). During this session, he appointed Mass Communication Professor Joya Chakraborty as pro-VC, a role she subsequently declined.
- December 5: Dhurba Kumar Bhattacharya, the senior-most faculty member, assumed charge as acting Vice-Chancellor suo motu. He cited the Tezpur University Act, 1993, as the basis for his appointment.
- December 3-15: The end-of-term examinations were originally scheduled to take place within this period.
- Recently: The university’s end-term exams recommenced, adopting a schedule similar to the original plan, following the acting VC’s request.
Future of the Protest
Protesters have declared their intention to enforce a more stringent shutdown following the completion of the examinations. This escalated action will involve closing all internal campus facilities, including on-campus banks, ATMs, and the post office. The TUUF maintains that the university campus will remain inaccessible and activities halted until a formal, decisive communication is received from the Central government concerning the Vice-Chancellor’s removal and the initiation of an inquiry.