Ministry of Education Orders Leave for Tezpur University Vice Chancellor Amid Mounting Allegations
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has directed Tezpur University Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect. This decisive action comes after months of unrest on the campus and follows a series of serious complaints leveled against the administrator. Alongside this directive, the Ministry has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matters raised.
According to a senior official within the Ministry, the Vice Chancellor is to remain detached from all administrative responsibilities until the probe is concluded. The newly formed committee has been tasked with examining the current situation at the university, scrutinizing the specific allegations against the Vice Chancellor, and reviewing all related matters. The panel is expected to submit its comprehensive report within a maximum period of three months.
Protests Have Been Ongoing Since September
Discontent has been brewing at Tezpur University since mid-September 2025, with students, faculty members, and staff uniting in protest against the Vice Chancellor’s leadership. Demonstrators have accused the administration of financial irregularities and have pointed to what they describe as arbitrary decision-making in several instances. The agitation reached a significant milestone on Monday when protesters observed a 24-hour hunger strike to mark 100 days of their continuous movement.
Campus Tensions Escalated After Confrontation
The atmosphere on campus deteriorated sharply on September 22 when a heated exchange erupted between the Vice Chancellor and a group of students. The situation became so tense that Singh was compelled to leave the scene, and he subsequently stopped visiting the campus altogether. This incident served as a flashpoint, intensifying the already simmering frustrations within the university community.
Adding to the grievances, students have also expressed anger over the administration’s handling of the passing of renowned cultural personality Zubeen Garg. They allege that the university failed to show adequate respect or observe proper formalities during the period of his demise, which further fueled the growing sense of dissatisfaction.
Environmental and Administrative Concerns Raised
The scope of the allegations extends well beyond financial management. Members of the university community have accused the Vice Chancellor of permitting and even facilitating deforestation within the campus, leading to significant environmental damage. This issue has struck a chord with both students and teachers, who view it as a blatant disregard for the university’s natural heritage and ecological responsibilities.
Significant Exodus of Senior Personnel
The ongoing crisis has triggered a notable brain drain within the institution. Since the protests began, at least 11 faculty members and senior officials have either tendered their resignations or have chosen to leave the university. This wave of departures is being widely interpreted as a clear indicator of the deep administrative turmoil and low morale plaguing the institution.
Temporary Administrative Arrangements Put in Place
To ensure that the university’s day-to-day operations continue without disruption, the Ministry of Education has stepped in with a temporary measure. Professor Amarendra Kumar Das, from the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, has been appointed as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University. He will be responsible for overseeing administrative functions during this transitional period.
The Ministry has made it clear that subsequent actions will be determined based on the findings of the inquiry report. This entire episode has brought to the forefront significant questions regarding administrative accountability, transparency in governance, and the safety and well-being of students within India’s central universities. The outcome of the investigation is now being awaited by all stakeholders, as it is expected to set a precedent for how similar grievances are addressed in academic institutions across the country.
