Students and research scholars of Tezpur University have sought the time-bound disclosure of findings from a statutory enquiry into the university’s affairs, citing delays and unresolved institutional issues.
In a representation to the university registrar, the students urged that their concerns be forwarded to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and the Additional Secretary, Department of Higher Education, for intervention.
The representation concerns the statutory enquiry constituted under Section 9 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993, and accountability relating to the tenure of then Vice-Chancellor Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, whom the students described as “absconding”. It also raised issues concerning student welfare, shortage of funds, administrative uncertainty and the delayed convocation for the 2025 graduating batch.
The enquiry committee was constituted on December 31, 2025, and was scheduled to submit its report by March 31, 2026. The students said the committee had completed its proceedings and submitted its report, but its findings and any consequential decisions had not been made public.
They questioned whether the prolonged delay in resolving the issues amounted to retaliation against university stakeholders who had raised concerns over alleged corruption. They warned that failure to address their demands could lead to an escalation of their protest, including a complete shutdown of university functioning.
The students also said that in the absence of meaningful communication from the Ministry, stakeholders could make public documents and evidence submitted before various fact-finding and enquiry committees. They referred to a resolution adopted at a Citizens’ Convention in Guwahati on December 19, 2025, which allowed for the possible constitution of an independent public enquiry committee comprising educationists, RTI activists, human rights defenders, retired university faculty and retired High Court judges.
The students sought disclosure of the enquiry findings, clarity on action taken regarding the former Vice-Chancellor, fixing of responsibility wherever wrongdoing was established, release of pending funds and resolution of the delayed convocation. They said the demands were aimed at ensuring transparency, institutional accountability and restoring trust, and sought a written acknowledgement and response from the Ministry.
