Guwahati: Authorities at Gauhati University are facing significant criticism after Registrar Utpal Sharma canceled a scheduled press conference and opted for a written statement instead. This decision has raised accusations that the administration lacks the courage to confront serious allegations of financial irregularities, nepotism, and corruption directly.
The controversy surrounding the university escalated following widespread allegations against Vice-Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta. On Thursday, the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva-Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) delivered a memorandum demanding that Mahanta either call for an impartial investigation and resign or provide compelling evidence to rebut the claims. The group argues that these allegations have tarnished the university’s heritage and dignity.
Gauhati University’s handling of the situation has been characterized by confusion and abrupt changes. Registrar Sharma initially planned a press meeting for 11 a.m. on Friday, having sent invitations to journalists the day before. However, at about 8:49 a.m. on Friday, he postponed the meeting to 4 p.m. Later, at 12:16 p.m., he canceled the press conference altogether, announcing that a written statement would be issued instead. Consequently, a brief statement concerning the university’s financial irregularities was sent to the media around 4:30 p.m.
In this statement, Registrar Sharma dismissed all allegations against Vice-Chancellor Mahanta and the administration, labeling them as “completely false, factless, and misleading.” He further accused the media of attempting to damage the Vice-Chancellor’s reputation, asserting that recent reports from various media outlets were baseless efforts to undermine the university’s dignity.
Rather than presenting specific evidence to counter the allegations, the university’s statement emphasized “complete transparency and integrity” in its operations, contending that the attempts to discredit the Vice-Chancellor and the university are unwarranted and indicative of a political conspiracy.
The AJYCP memorandum also highlighted alleged issues in the university’s tender processes. In response, Registrar Sharma asserted that open e-tenders for high-value projects are conducted through the official website and insisted that “no irregularities have occurred in project allocations to date.”
However, the last-minute cancellation of the press gathering and the decision to provide a written rebuttal have raised additional questions. Critics are now questioning why Vice-Chancellor Mahanta, the center of these allegations, did not face journalists to provide answers and evidence.
Moreover, the situation has reignited debate over Mahanta’s appointment itself, with inquiries about whether his close ties with Himanta Biswa Sarma and alleged connections to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) influenced his selection as Vice-Chancellor.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/gauhati-university-registrar-evades-media-amid-financial-irregularity-claims-vcs-absence-questioned.html
Category: Assam,Northeast News,Opinion
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Publish Date: 2025-10-11 00:01:00
