Tezpur, Jan 2: Students, teachers and non-teaching staff of Tezpur University have welcomed the Ministry of Education’s decision to constitute an enquiry committee into the ongoing crisis at the campus, including allegations against Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, while asserting that their agitation will continue until the process delivers justice.
In an order issued on January 1, the Ministry of Education directed Singh to proceed on leave and announced the formation of a three-member enquiry committee to examine all issues related to the situation at Tezpur University. The panel has been given up to three months to submit its report.
The move was welcomed by the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association, the Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association and various student bodies. In a joint statement, they described the decision as a significant step towards resolving a crisis that has persisted since mid-September.
The stakeholders said they hoped the enquiry would be conducted in a fair, transparent and comprehensive manner, free from political interference or institutional bias. However, they made it clear that the movement would not be fully withdrawn until the enquiry process conclusively upholds justice and its outcome is in favour of the university community.
Tezpur University, located in Assam’s Sonitpur district, has witnessed sustained protests over alleged administrative and financial irregularities during Singh’s tenure. On Monday, protesters marked 100 days of agitation by observing a 24-hour hunger strike.
The ministry has also appointed Amrendra Kumar Das of the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati as pro vice-chancellor. The protesting groups said they were ready to extend full cooperation to the enquiry committee and welcomed the newly appointed pro vice-chancellor to the campus.
Tensions at the university escalated in September following allegations that the vice-chancellor and the administration had shown disrespect to Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg, along with concerns over alleged deforestation and ecological damage on the campus.
The situation turned volatile on September 22 after heated exchanges between students and the vice-chancellor, after which Singh stayed away from the campus. Since the protests began, at least 11 faculty members and senior officials have resigned either from their posts or from the university.
