Students at Tezpur University in Assam have intensified their ongoing protest against Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, accusing him of corruption and financial irregularities. The agitation, which began in mid-September, has led to a complete shutdown of the institution since November 29, halting all academic activities and forcing the cancellation of end-term examinations. Located in Sonitpur district, this central university has been rendered non-functional, with support from the Tezpur University Teachers' Association and the Non-Teaching Employees' Association under the banner of the Tezpur University United Forum.

The vice chancellor has been absent from the campus for over two months following a confrontation with students on September 22, during which he reportedly had to leave abruptly. Protesters insist on his immediate suspension, emphasizing that no substantial actions have been taken despite the prolonged demonstrations. The unrest initially stemmed from allegations of disrespect shown to cultural icon Zubeen Garg amid statewide mourning for his death, prompting a magisterial probe by the Sonitpur District Administration.

Further demands include the prompt release of reports from a fact-finding committee appointed by the Assam Governor and a subsequent team from the Union Ministry of Education. These inquiries were initiated to investigate the vice chancellor's conduct and the university's operations. Stakeholders have vowed to maintain the indefinite lockdown until transparency and accountability are achieved, underscoring the unity among students, faculty, and staff.

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Tezpur University Teachers' Association President Kusum Kumar Bania highlighted the administrative paralysis caused by the vice chancellor's absence, which has persisted for 74 days. He noted that despite visits by investigative teams, no resolution has emerged, leading to hardships for the university community. The second phase of the protest aims to compel government intervention to restore normalcy.

In the Rajya Sabha, Assam member Ajit Kumar Bhuyan addressed the crisis, urging swift action to normalize the educational environment. He criticized the lack of efforts to resolve the impasse and stressed that appointments of vice chancellors should prioritize merit over extraneous factors. Amid the turmoil, at least 11 faculty members and officials have resigned, including key positions such as the in-charge registrar and finance officer, marking a historic disruption in the university's operations.

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