Guwahati: Senior Tezpur University professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya has “assumed charge” as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institute amid intensifying student protests demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh.
Tezpur University – one of only two Central Universities in Assam – has been witnessing protests against the V-C for over two months.
Last week, staff and students declared a shutdown of academic and administrative activities.
The students and staff have accused Singh of financial irregularities and extended absences from the university, which they say have resulted in “administrative stagnation,” deterioration of campus infrastructure, and disruption of academic functioning.
On Thursday, the V-C issued a notice calling for a “special emergent” meeting of the Board of Management and circulated an online meeting link to its five external and three internal members. The meeting proceeded despite strong opposition from the protesting university community, which has been demanding that the V-C be placed on administrative leave and an Acting Vice Chancellor appointed.
Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh appointed Mass Communication professor Joya Chakraborty as pro-VC. However, Chakraborty declined the post, and the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF) resolved to continue its indefinite shutdown, which began on November 29, demanding Singh’s removal over alleged corruption.
“We do not accept the current Vice-Chancellor and any decisions taken under him,” said a faculty member.
According to a senior professor, the “entire university community came together” late Thursday night and decided to apply provisions of the Tezpur University Act, 1993, allowing the senior-most faculty member to take over in such circumstances.
Registrar in charge Chandan Goswami said that Chakraborty declined the position. “So Professor Bhattacharyya has assumed office. I informed both the Union Ministry of Education and the Governor through email late last night, and they have not replied to express objection so far,” he said.
Dr. Bhattacharyya, a highly respected academic from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, said after taking charge that his first priority would be the well-being of students and the restoration of a healthy academic atmosphere.
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Meanwhile, the agitating students have said the shutdown will continue until an inquiry is initiated into the alleged “corruption and other irregularities” involving the Vice Chancellor.
