In a dramatic turn of events at the crisis-hit Tezpur University, the institution's senior-most faculty member has taken control of the top post. Professor Dhruba Bhattacharyya assumed charge as the acting vice-chancellor on Thursday night, invoking specific provisions of the university's founding act.
A Leadership Vacuum and a Suo Motu Move
The university has been in a state of complete shutdown for a week, with all academic and administrative work paralyzed since November 29. The move by Professor Bhattacharyya, who teaches computer science and engineering, came just hours after a controversial decision by the absent Vice-Chancellor, Shambhu Nath Singh.
Earlier on Thursday, VC Singh convened a board of management meeting in hybrid mode. In that meeting, mass communications professor Joya Chakraborty was appointed as the pro-vice-chancellor. However, Professor Chakraborty declined the post, and no official notification was issued. This decision sparked immediate anger among students and faculty, who labeled it as arbitrary and taken without consultation.
Student Protests and Legal Grounds
On Thursday night, student groups marched across the campus, raising slogans with two clear demands:
- The withdrawal of the alleged appointment of the pro-VC.
- The removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu N Singh.
Students and faculty have long accused Singh of corruption and mismanagement, which led to the agitation spearheaded by the Tezpur University United Forum.
It was in this heated environment that Professor Bhattacharyya made his move. He cited Statute 2(6) of the Tezpur University Act, 1993. This statute mandates that if the VC's office falls vacant due to death, resignation, or inability to perform duties, the pro-VC shall assume charge. If the pro-VC is unavailable, the senior-most professor is required to perform the duties until a new VC is appointed or the current one resumes office.
Bhattacharyya immediately informed the Ministry of Education about his assumption of office. He stressed that his top priority was to restore normalcy on campus and ensure that the stalled end-term examinations commence as scheduled from December 8.
The Road Ahead for Tezpur University
The situation presents a complex constitutional crisis within the university. With one faction supporting the acting VC's decision based on the statute and another rejecting the VC's authority, the path to normalcy remains uncertain.
The ministry's response to Bhattacharyya's communication will be crucial in determining the next steps. The entire academic community now watches to see if this bold move by the senior professor can break the deadlock, address the grievances of students and staff, and get the prestigious institution back on track.
