TEZPUR, ASSAM – Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya, Tezpur University’s senior-most faculty member, assumed charge as acting Vice Chancellor on Friday. This development occurred during a seven-day complete shutdown of the university campus.
The move by Bhattacharyya, a professor of Computer Science and Engineering, was takensuo motu(on his own initiative). It followed ongoing protests demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh over alleged corruption charges.
VC’s Actions and Refusal
The situation escalated after VC Shambhu Nath Singh called a Board of Management (BOM) meeting on Thursday afternoon. Singh subsequently appointed Mass Communication professor Joya Chakraborty as the pro-VC.
Professor Chakraborty refused to accept the pro-VC role. Following this refusal, the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF), leading the agitation, decided to continue its indefinite shutdown of the central university.
Application of University Act
In late-night developments on Thursday, the entire university community united. They decided to apply the Tezpur University Act, 1993,suo motu. This action led to Professor Bhattacharyya taking charge as acting VC with immediate effect, a senior professor stated.
Bhattacharyya has since written to the secretary of the higher education department within the Union Ministry of Education. His letter apprised the ministry of the latest developments, citing relevant clauses of the Tezpur University Act.
PTI has accessed documents and letters exchanged since the BOM meeting. A senior professor alleged the ministry remained a ‘mute spectator’ during the protest and became involved in an ‘ugly game’ by appointing a pro-VC.
Ongoing Protests and Demands
The university shutdown began on November 29 . Protesters have been demanding Singh’s removal since mid-September. They cite alleged corruption and irregularities.
Singh has been absent from the campus for almost three months. An incident on September 22 saw him leave the campus after a confrontation with students.
The university has been non-functional for the past seven days. Students have shut down all services, including academic activities. This forced the administration to cancel all end-term examinations.
The Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) and the Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA) have extended full support to the agitation. Both associations operate under the aegis of the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF).
Faculty Resignations and Future Course
At least 11 faculty members and senior officials have resigned from their posts or the university since the protests began in September. Protesters assert submitted evidence justifies an immediate inquiry.
The university fraternity is not ready to accept any outcome other than Singh’s removal, a faculty member affirmed. An agitating student stated the protest and shutdown will continue until an inquiry into the alleged corruption and irregularities is ordered.