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Tezpur University Protesters Block Exit of Education Ministry Team as VC Row Escalates

Classes remain suspended, with staff unions backing the student strike.

Overview

  • A three-member delegation led by UGC chairman Vineet Joshi was stopped at the main gate for hours after meeting students, teachers and staff.
  • Protesters demand the removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh over alleged financial irregularities, unauthorized construction and contested appointments, with the VC off campus since September.
  • Students rejected a hand-written note from a ministry official, citing an incorrect date, and insisted on a clear written assurance on removing the VC.
  • Senior professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya has assumed charge as acting vice-chancellor under university provisions pending ministry approval, while a Board of Management move to install Joya Chakraborty as pro-VC faces broad opposition and she has reportedly declined.
  • The education ministry says two fact-finding inquiries have been completed and it will send its report to the President, with further meetings expected at the governor’s house in Guwahati.