Tezpur: Tezpur University Vice Chancellor, Professor Shambhu Nath Singh, already under scrutiny for multiple corruption allegations, is now facing fresh charges of manipulation and favoritism in the recruitment of an Assistant Professor in the Department of Hindi.
According to sources, the controversy revolves around the interview held on September 25, 2023, where VC Singh allegedly exerted pressure to include and select an “unqualified candidate,” Dr. Goma Devi Sharma, for an unreserved post that initially excluded her from the shortlist.
Insiders allege that the Vice Chancellor issued written instructions to the screening committee chairperson, Professor Raza Rafiqul Hoque, directing the inclusion of six additional names, including Dr. Sharma. The then Head of Department, Professor Pramod Meena, claimed he and other members were pressured to ensure Sharma’s selection.
Professor Meena alleged that before the interview, the VC summoned him to his office and warned him not to ask any questions during the interview, threatening that he would be removed from the university if he spoke. Sources also claim that instead of the subject experts recommended by the department, the VC allegedly brought in his own preferred members for the interview panel.
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Despite other candidates being more qualified, Dr. Sharma was selected. Her credentials reportedly lacked the required degree or diploma in translation or linguistics, and her teaching experience certificate failed to mention the UGC pay scale. Notably, she was teaching at Army Public School, Narengi, during part of the period claimed as university-level experience.
Following her appointment, she was allegedly granted preferential treatment, including a warden position and university accommodation, bypassing senior faculty.
This is not the first time VC Singh has faced such charges — similar irregularities were earlier alleged in the recruitment of an Associate Professor in the Education Department.
Both VC Shambhu Nath Singh and Dr. Goma Devi Sharma remained unavailable for comments. Meanwhile, protests by the university’s Teachers’ Association, staff, and students continue, demanding the Vice Chancellor’s removal over charges of corruption and administrative misconduct.
