Tezpur University is currently embroiled in controversy as the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) has accused Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh of serious financial misconduct and is demanding his immediate removal. The association has submitted a detailed memorandum outlining these claims to Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who also serves as the university’s chancellor, as well as to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
TUTA has raised concerns over “questionable practices” related to the procurement of materials, awarding contracts, and managing construction projects funded by the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA). They specifically highlighted instances of poor-quality infrastructure, with newly constructed hostels reportedly exhibiting cracks, seepage, and malfunctioning amenities.
The association criticized the lack of transparency in contract management, alleging that contracts were repeatedly awarded to the same vendors. Faculty members have reportedly been pressured to certify work without proper access to documentation, raising further alarm about ethical practices in administration.
Additional allegations from TUTA include significant delays in the disbursement of funds, unconstructive interactions by the Finance Office with faculty, and disruptions to academic and research activities. The statement further detailed serious issues such as the deliberate elimination of the Pro-Vice Chancellor position, irregular and ad hoc appointments to administrative roles, arbitrary suspensions of staff, and critical vacancies in essential posts like the Registrar.
TUTA also accused Singh of creating unauthorized positions and granting excessive perks, which purportedly contributed to a decline in academic standards. This situation has resulted in research scholars being forced into teaching roles, adversely affecting institutional processes.
Compounding the unrest, Singh faced backlash over remarks made regarding popular singer Zubeen Garg after his death, which ignited protests on campus. A confrontation between students and Singh led to the Sonitpur district administration initiating a magisterial inquiry into the affair.
The controversy escalated last week when the university’s Public Relations Officer, Samaresh Barman, resigned, alleging that Singh was governing the institution in an “autocratic style,” which has been linked to a drop in the university’s ranking.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Vice Chancellor Singh were unsuccessful, and the university has remained silent on the allegations raised by TUTA. This growing crisis at Tezpur University is drawing increased attention as stakeholders seek clarity and accountability within the institution.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/tezpur-university-teachers-demand-vcs-removal-over-alleged-financial-irregularities-1283709-2025-09-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-09-28 14:19:00
