Tezpur University VC absence hits administration; Acting VC mulls special audit amid corruption allegations

With Tezpur University facing administrative paralysis for over two months, senior professor Dr Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharyya has stepped in as acting vice-chancellor, citing urgent concerns over stalled academic and financial processes and growing pressure from all stakeholders.

Dr. Bhattacharyya said he assumed charge after the post of vice-chancellor remained unattended for more than 75 days, leading to a backlog of pending files and approvals. “There is a rule that if the vice-chancellor is away from office for more than 30 days, the position must be filled. But now it has been more than 75 days. Many files are pending. Everything is completely stagnant, and we are feeling it everywhere,” he stated.

With semester examinations scheduled to begin Monday, he emphasised that restoring normalcy was his immediate priority. “Based on the request of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, I have accepted this responsibility. I have already called a meeting with the deans and will meet the HODs to ensure the end-semester examination can be conducted smoothly.”

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He noted that several urgent financial approvals and fellowship bills are overdue. “There are many fellowship bills and sanctions pending for exam-related matters, which I need to clear. I have prioritised students’ comfort and will try to address their needs as soon as possible,” he said.

Significantly, Dr Bhattacharyya acknowledged that allegations of corruption had surfaced within the university system. “There are several corruption charges, and accordingly, I have just discussed with the deans. We are considering calling a special audit to establish these charges, and then we can write to the ministry,” he said.

As the acting VC begins to address the accumulated administrative backlog, faculty and students expect immediate steps to restore regular functioning and ensure a fair probe into the complaints that have shaken Tezpur University over recent weeks.