Guwahati: The student community of Tezpur University (TU) has launched a strong protest against the administration, rejecting a “Clarification Note” issued by the Vice-Chancellor’s office as “a cowardly fabrication” and “an insult dressed up as an explanation.” The confrontation stems from the University’s handling of a tribute to late cultural icon Zubeen Garg, whose death on September 19 plunged Assam into mourning.
In a press statement, the students accused Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh of deliberate misinformation, altering dates on the official website, and failing to observe state mourning declared by the Chief Minister. They alleged that the condolence meeting on September 22 was held “only after student outrage,” while the administration falsely claimed it took place earlier.
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The students also cited a viral video call from September 21, during which the VC allegedly said, “It’s a Central University, don’t make things funny,” a remark they termed “deeply dismissive.”
Beyond the tribute controversy, the students levelled allegations of financial irregularities and administrative neglect, accusing the VC of prioritizing “beautification projects” and foreign trips over basic campus needs. They also highlighted the non-renewal of 41 guest faculty contracts, forcing research scholars to take unpaid teaching roles.
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Rejecting the VC’s announcements of a Zubeen Garg statue, honorary degree, and scholarship as “superficial theatrics,” students demanded his immediate resignation, declaring that he has “lost the confidence of students, faculty, and staff” and “failed to uphold integrity, restraint, and empathy.”
