Tezpur University faces widespread protests. Students, teachers, and staff demand Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh’s removal. They allege financial irregularities, research interference, and administrative mismanagement. The campus shut down on November 29 .
Senior professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya assumed acting Vice-Chancellor duties on December 5 . University statutes require the senior-most professor to take charge after a VC’s absence exceeds 50 days. Singh has been absent for over a month. Bhattacharyya awaits official confirmation from the Education Ministry.
Research Setbacks Alleged
Teachers claim Singh caused significant setbacks to research. He allegedly interfered with a Rs 10 crore DST-funded Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE) project. The grant was approved in March, but the tender for Rs 7 crore in instruments was cancelled in September .
Teachers state Singh altered technical specifications for research equipment. He allegedly overruled internal committee recommendations. He also reportedly insisted on purchasing all 11 instruments from a single vendor, violating standard procedures.
Financial Mismanagement Claims
Professor Ashim J Thakur, Dean of Academic Affairs, confirmed financial irregularities are a major concern. Singh allegedly did not clear files for research-related expenses. This halted purchases of chemicals, consumables, and travel funds. Funds from DST, UGC, and ICMR remain unutilised, said Tezpur University Teachers’ Association president Kusum K Bania.
Students also reported inflated hostel furniture costs. Records show a bed costing Rs 18,297 and a table Rs 12,000 . New hostels inaugurated this year developed cracks, seepage, and flooding within four months, noted PhD student Tanay Pratim Neog.
Hiring and Administrative Breaches
Singh faces accusations of breaching appointment regulations. A finance officer, past retirement age of 62, allegedly received two extensions. This officer drew a full salary and benefits, violating university rules. Rules state retired staff receive honorary roles, not full privileges, Bania noted.
Singh allegedly created a new Computer Centre Director position. He appointed an external candidate, offering a Rs 2 lakh monthly salary. University rules require the director to be a professor from within the university, Bania explained.
Faculty members questioning administrative decisions reported facing threats. Several long-serving contractual staff were abruptly terminated. These actions created an “atmosphere of fear.”
Student Concerns on Fees and Facilities
Students highlight high fees. PhD scholars pay Rs 17,000 per semester, while Master’s students pay Rs 22,000 . This is double or triple the fees at other central universities. Accommodation is inadequate; three students often share single-occupancy rooms.
Cultural Insensitivity and Library Issues
Singh’s remarks against Assamese singer Zubeen Garg fueled anger. He dismissed student mourning as a “waste of time.” He insisted on holding student council elections shortly after Garg’s death. This deeply hurt public sentiment.
The university library also faces issues. No Assamese books were purchased under Singh’s administration, despite an Assamese department. Singh allegedly bypassed approved suppliers. He handpicked four Delhi-based vendors for all book purchases, violating procurement norms, Bania stated. Foreign language departments also suffer from outdated textbooks.
Ongoing Investigations and Ministry Response
Teachers and students submitted detailed allegations to two committees. These include a fact-finding committee appointed by the Governor of Assam. A central committee led by Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, also visited the campus.
The Ministry of Education has not yet removed Singh. They stated removal involves a “due process.” No timeline for resolution has been provided. Singh did not respond to media inquiries.