Stakeholders of Tezpur University on Monday voiced strong concern over what they described as a continuing administrative and academic crisis at the central university. Teachers, non-teaching staff, and students said the situation has remained unresolved for a long time despite several appeals to political leaders and constitutional authorities. They said no meaningful solution has come so far, and they now want urgent intervention to prevent further damage to the institution.
At a joint press conference, representatives stated that they have already met several elected representatives, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, MPs Kamakhya Prasad Tasa and Pabitra Margherita, and Assam ministers Ranjit Dutta and Padma Hazarika. They also mentioned a brief interaction with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. However, the stakeholders said none of these engagements have led to any clear response or corrective action. They therefore called for a detailed meeting with the Chief Minister at the earliest.
The Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) expressed concern that their main demand remains unattended. They are seeking the removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh through an independent, high-level inquiry. A TUTA member also said that the Centre has not paid adequate attention to the seriousness of the crisis. The association informed that it had also approached the Governor of Assam, who is the Chancellor of the University, to recognise the authority of Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharya. According to them, no formal response has been received so far. 
Teachers also spoke about academic concerns arising from delays in using important research grants, including the PURSE project. They cautioned that if such delays continue, the University could risk being blacklisted by funding agencies. This, they said, may seriously harm the academic standing and reputation of Tezpur University. They also questioned why action was being delayed against a person facing corruption allegations, and warned that the upcoming academic and admission sessions could be affected if the situation is not resolved soon.
One of the stakeholders said the matter should be seen as an important issue for the entire state. He recalled that Tezpur University was set up as a tribute to the sacrifices of 860 Assamese martyrs, and therefore must not be allowed to suffer prolonged instability or administrative uncertainty.
The Tezpur University Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA) also addressed the media. Its president said that Members of Parliament have already briefed the Union Minister of Education about the crisis. He asked why the authorities were finding it difficult to act against the Vice-Chancellor, whom he described as corrupt. He said the University has a long legacy and must be protected from further decline.
He further mentioned that for the last 100 days, no purchase-related activities have taken place on campus. This, he said, shows that routine administration has almost come to a halt. If this continues, he warned, the University’s functioning may be damaged in a way that is difficult to reverse.
The stakeholders said they believe the future of students and the integrity of the institution are at serious risk if urgent measures are not taken. They warned that students may be forced to begin an indefinite hunger strike if the authorities fail to respond. In such a situation, they said, responsibility would lie with both the Union Ministry of Education and the Chief Minister of Assam.
The joint groups added that their concerns are focused mainly on restoring normal administration, protecting research work, and safeguarding the academic environment. They said they are not seeking conflict, but simply want timely and fair action so that the University can function smoothly again.
They also stressed that Tezpur University holds an important place in Assam’s higher education sector. Many students from different parts of the North-East depend on it for quality education and research opportunities. Any prolonged crisis, they said, will directly affect thousands of students, teachers, and staff, as well as damage the state’s academic reputation.
