The agitation at Tezpur University reached a critical milestone on Wednesday as the protest demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Prof. S.N. Singh completed 82 days. The campus, once known for its vibrant academic environment, now remains caught in a deepening crisis, with both teaching and administrative operations suspended for 13 consecutive days. Students say they remain determined to continue their movement until the Centre takes concrete action.
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Campus standstill intensifies as agitation continues
The tension on campus has been building for weeks. Students began their protest in September after accusing the Vice-Chancellor of administrative irregularities, absenteeism, and what they call a deliberate neglect of student welfare. What started as a series of symbolic demonstrations soon escalated into a full shutdown of university operations.
Many departments have halted internal assessments. Labs, libraries, and administrative offices remain locked. Hostels, although functional, are filled with uncertainty. Students say they feel abandoned by the authorities as the Centre has yet to respond to multiple memorandums submitted over the past two months.
Allegations against the Vice-Chancellor fuel discontent
The core demand remains the removal of Prof. S.N. Singh. Student groups allege that the VC spent extended periods away from campus despite rising academic concerns and infrastructure issues. They also claim that the administration misused funds and failed to adhere to basic governance norms.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, has denied all allegations. In statements issued earlier, he insisted that administrative procedures were followed and accused “outside forces” of escalating tensions. His silence in recent weeks, students say, has only added to their frustration.
For context, Tezpur University, established under the Assam Accord, carries deep emotional and political significance in the region. Student leaders argue that the current turmoil undermines the very spirit on which the institution was founded.
Students plead for intervention as future hangs in balance
Several student representatives have reached out to the Ministry of Education. They have also written to Members of Parliament and state leaders. Despite these efforts, no official delegation from New Delhi has visited the campus so far. The silence from the Centre has become a major point of concern.
Academic uncertainty is now a dominant worry. Final-year students fear delays in examinations and degree processing. Research scholars are struggling with grant deadlines, lab work disruptions, and stalled approvals. Some have considered shifting institutions, though such a move comes with deep emotional and logistical challenges.
Faculty express concern as crisis impacts university reputation
The Faculty Association has also raised alarms over the prolonged shutdown. Teachers warn that this deadlock could severely affect the university’s national standing and its ranking among Central Universities. Officers working in administrative sections say they are unable to process essential paperwork, scholarships, and pending appointments.
Several faculty members have urged both the Centre and the University Grants Commission to initiate dialogue. They argue that mediation is the only way to restore normalcy and protect the academic future of thousands of students.
Public pressure grows as student movement gains support
Across Assam, the prolonged crisis has triggered growing public interest. Many alumni have taken to social media platforms to amplify student voices, demanding swift government intervention. Civil society groups in Tezpur and Guwahati have also expressed concern about what they describe as “an administrative collapse.”
Local news outlets have extensively covered the matter, comparing it with similar governance failures in Central institutions across India. These reports have increased scrutiny on the Ministry of Education and its handling of the situation.
University awaits Centre’s decision as talks remain stalled
Despite repeated appeals, talks have stalled between student leaders and the administration. With the Vice-Chancellor reportedly staying away from campus, there have been no direct negotiations. Students say they are ready for dialogue but insist that any discussion must begin with a clear acknowledgment of their core demands.
Until the Centre issues a decision, the campus is likely to remain in limbo. The lack of clarity has left many parents anxious as well, especially those who had hoped to see the institution return to normal operations before the end of the academic year.
A call for urgent action
As the protest crosses 82 days, students are urging the government to break its silence. They stress that the future of an entire generation is at stake. They believe that decisive intervention is necessary to restore stability, revive academics, and ensure accountability in a Central University that holds deep historical importance for Assam.