Guwahati, Dec 3: Tezpur University has been in a state of escalating turmoil, with students intensifying their protests amid a complete shutdown of academic and administrative activities for the past six days. The agitation—now stretching into its 72nd day—centres on allegations of large-scale corruption, financial irregularities, and the prolonged absence of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh.

Established under a key provision of the Assam Accord, Tezpur University—one of India’s premier central universities—was envisioned as a catalyst for higher education and regional development. Today, it finds itself paralysed.

Tensions have been simmering since mid-September, when students accused Prof. Singh and the administration of showing a lack of respect to cultural icon Zubeen Garg at the time of his death. What began as a confrontation soon widened into an agitation over alleged irregularities under the VC’s tenure.

Students have since shut down all services on campus, barricading the main Jyoti Gate and staging continuous sit-ins. With all academic activities halted since November 29, the administration has been forced to cancel end-term examinations.

“We have been protesting for 72 days against corruption and financial irregularities in the university,” said a student protester. “We have spoken to the faculty, but no solution has emerged. The VC has been missing from campus since September 22. We want the government to intervene.”

The Tezpur University Teachers’ Association and the Non-Teaching Employees’ Association have backed the students, adding pressure on the administration.

“The academic block has been shut for six days. Students are angry because the government has not taken the matter seriously,” said a member of the non-teaching staff association. “The deadlock persists mainly due to the lack of government intervention. The Executive Council—the top decision-making body—should have met immediately, but with the VC absent and the registrar holding charge, nothing has moved.”

Prof. Singh left the campus after heated exchanges with students on September 22, during which he was reportedly forced to leave the scene abruptly.

Amid the growing crisis, the Union Ministry of Education on Monday responded to concerns raised in the Lok Sabha about the VC’s prolonged absence. Replying to an unstarred question, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said central universities are autonomous institutions governed by their respective Acts and Statutes, adding that under the Tezpur University Act, 1993, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor is empowered to discharge the VC’s duties in case of vacancy or non-availability.

Meanwhile, Congress MP and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his intervention to end what he called an “administrative paralysis” at the university. Gogoi has demanded a high-level probe into allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and the VC’s unexplained absence for over 73 days.

Also Read: AICC reviews Congress strategy, organisational push for Assam 2026 polls

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