Tezpur, Assam, October 11: The Tezpur University protest intensified this week as students and activists burned effigies of senior officials. They allege long-standing administrative irregularities and demand immediate accountability. The protest highlights growing unrest over governance and leadership gaps at the university.
Students claim their repeated appeals for transparency and better governance were ignored. They now demand concrete action and accountability from the university administration.
Tezpur University Protest: Effigies Burned to Demand Accountability
On October 8, students and activists marched through campus. They carried effigies of Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, IQAC Director Deben Chandra Baruah, and other senior officials. Eventually, the effigies were set ablaze outside the administration building.
The protesters clarified that the act was symbolic, intended to highlight the need for transparency and improved governance, rather than target individuals personally. They chanted slogans demanding a full inquiry into alleged irregularities, fair promotions, and responsible leadership.
Causes Behind the Tezpur University Protest
VC Absence Sparks Unrest
The absence of the VC for several weeks triggered the initial discontent. Students argue that his prolonged absence worsened delays in decision-making. Consequently, frustration among both students and faculty grew.
Alleged Financial Irregularities
Protesters have accused the administration of misusing funds and bypassing proper procedures for appointments, including high-paying contracts in the Computer Centre. Transparency in financial decisions remains a key concern for the campus community.
Disrespect to Zubeen Garg’s Memory
The timing of student council elections following the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg led to allegations of insensitivity by the administration. Students demanded a magisterial inquiry to examine whether the university showed disrespect to his legacy.
Faculty Concerns
Faculty members joined the protest, alleging delayed promotions under the UGC Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). They also raised issues about decision-making transparency and accountability.
Prof. Baruah has countered these claims, stating that the IQAC does not have statutory authority to decide promotions. He encouraged evidence-based complaints to ensure proper inquiries rather than symbolic acts like effigy burning.
University Response and Official Statements
Prof. Deben Chandra Baruah stated that the IQAC cannot decide promotions. He called for evidence-based complaints and urged protesters to focus on institutional reforms instead of symbolic acts.
Meanwhile, the Sonitpur district administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged disrespect toward Zubeen Garg.
Teachers’ groups also demanded the VC’s removal, citing mismanagement and insensitivity toward students and faculty.
Key Demands of Protesters
- Immediate resignation of the VC
- Independent inquiry into financial and administrative irregularities
- Transparency in faculty promotions under UGC-CAS
- Respectful handling of cultural events and legacy issues
- Structural reforms to rebuild trust
Students and faculty have pledged to continue peaceful protests until these demands are met.
Implications for University Governance
The Tezpur University protest sheds light on broader governance issues in Indian higher education. These include low accountability, opaque administrative practices, and inadequate leadership presence. The protest emphasizes the need for structured dialogue, transparency, and participative governance.
A Cautionary Tale for Educational Institutions
This protest highlights the consequences of ignored grievances and demonstrates the power of coordinated student and faculty action. It also emphasizes that symbolic protests, when backed by legitimate concerns, can draw public attention to governance issues.
The ongoing developments at Tezpur University serve as a reminder that higher education institutions must prioritize accountability, transparency, and ethical administration to maintain credibility.