Tezpur University crisis: Students oppose BoM meeting amid 76-day protest

Guwahati: Students of Tezpur University, who have been protesting for 76 days over the alleged absence and administrative lapses of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, have issued a statement opposing the convening of the 126th Board of Management (BoM) meeting scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 4 pm.

According to the students, the decision to conduct the meeting in a blended mode is not supported by any existing university provision or regulation.

They said the move raises concerns about procedural transparency and adherence to established norms.

The student body further pointed out that, according to university guidelines, a BoM meeting requires an official notification to be issued at least three weeks in advance.

They alleged that the current meeting notice contains several inaccuracies, including the mention of Prof. S.C. Deka as Dean of Engineering, a role he no longer holds.

They also noted that the notification was not issued on the official Tezpur University letterhead and did not carry the logo.

Students added that certain permanent members of the Board, such as the Registrar and the Controller of Examinations, were not included in the list of invitees for the meeting.

They said these discrepancies cast doubts on the authenticity of the scheduled BoM session.

The protesting students reiterated their opposition to what they describe as irregularities under the current Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.

They called on university authorities and stakeholders to ensure accountability and transparency in administrative processes.

The student group also urged the university to withdraw the notification for the BoM meeting and initiate a dialogue to address the issues raised by the campus community.

CM seeks Pro-VC appointment amid ongoing investigations

Amid a deepening administrative crisis and a 75-day university shutdown, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged the Union Ministry of Education to fast-track the appointment of a Pro-Vice Chancellor to stabilise academics during ongoing inquiries.

He said he had spoken to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and requested immediate central intervention.

The crisis has escalated amid allegations against Vice-Chancellor Prof. Neelima Gupta, including corruption, misuse of funds, and recruitment irregularities. Financial misappropriation claims exceeding Rs 14 crore have added to the unrest. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi described the situation as a “deep institutional crisis” in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing faculty shortages, declining NIRF rankings, and stalled academic progress.

Fact-finding reports by the Assam Governor and the Union Ministry of Education have been submitted, but no decision has been announced. With classes suspended, students and staff await administrative action.

Fraternity rejects CM’s stance, reiterates demand for Acting VC

The Tezpur University fraternity rejected the Chief Minister’s suggestion of a Pro-Vice Chancellor, insisting their long-standing demand is for an Acting Vice-Chancellor. “We want an Acting Vice Chancellor, not a Pro-VC,” they said, noting the state leadership’s delayed response.

They reiterated their key demands: suspension of the current Vice-Chancellor pending inquiry, appointment of an Acting VC, and publication of all inquiry reports.