Tezpur University VC Row: Education Ministry Team Allowed to Leave After Students Receive Written Assurance
Tezpur University VC Row: Ministry Team Leaves After Written Assurance; Acting VC Appointed
Tension at Tezpur University eased late on Saturday after students lifted a blockade that had confined a Ministry of Education delegation inside the campus for several hours. The team, led by UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi, was allowed to exit around midnight after authorities provided a written assurance addressing the core demands of the protesters.
⭐ Why the Delegation Was Blocked
The three-member central team had arrived earlier in the day to meet students, faculty, and staff regarding allegations of financial irregularities under Vice-Chancellor Shambu Nath Singh. However, students protesting for nearly two months blocked the main gate, insisting the team could not leave without a formal commitment on their demands.
Registrar-in-charge Chandan Goswami confirmed that the delegation was allowed to leave only after the written assurance was issued.
“They have given assurance that the current VC will not officiate in any manner until the inquiry is completed. Also, the professor named as pro-VC will not assume charge,” he stated.
As per the interim arrangement, Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya, the senior-most faculty member, will serve as acting vice-chancellor.
⭐ Academic Activities Halted Since November 29
All academic work, including end-term examinations, has been suspended since November 29 due to the ongoing agitation.
Both the Teachers’ Association and Non-Teaching Employees’ Association have expressed solidarity with the students.
The situation has been tense since mid-September, when disagreements between students and the administration escalated following what students described as disrespect shown toward a prominent cultural figure. Additional concerns include alleged financial mismanagement, ecological violations on campus, and administrative decisions taken without adequate consultation.
⭐ What the Ministry Said After Meeting Students
Speaking to reporters inside the campus, UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi said:
“We met students, teachers, and staff to understand their views. They gave their feedback. Two fact-finding inquiries have already been conducted, and the ministry is processing all information. Whatever decision is taken will be in the interest of the university.”
Police personnel were stationed at the gate throughout the evening as students raised slogans during the blockade.
⭐ Agitation Leaders Say the Protest Will Continue for Now
The Tezpur University United Forum, which is leading the movement, said that the escalation occurred after 79 days of peaceful protest without a satisfactory response.
The forum stated that systemic indifference had left the community with “no choice but to adopt a firmer stance” to ensure their concerns were not overlooked.
Although students cleared the gate after receiving the written assurance, the Forum said the agitation would continue until a final, actionable resolution is issued.
⭐ Recent Administrative Developments
- On Friday, senior faculty member Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya assumed charge as acting VC under university statutes.
- Earlier, the vice-chancellor had convened a virtual meeting of the Board of Management and named Professor Joya Chakraborty as pro-VC — a position she later declined.
- The vice-chancellor has not been present on campus since September following heated exchanges with student groups.
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