Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Tezpur University Protest Blocks Education Ministry
Students at Tezpur University in Assam have been protesting for 79 days, demanding the removal of their Vice-Chancellor, Shambhu Nath Singh.
They accuse him of financial mismanagement and harming the university's infrastructure.
On December 6, a team from the Ministry of Education visited the university to talk to the students, but the protesters wouldn't let them leave until they got a proper written response.
The students are upset because they feel their concerns haven't been addressed.
The university's teachers and staff support the protest, and all exams have been cancelled.
The situation has been tense since September, and even a senior faculty member took charge as acting Vice-Chancellor to try and resolve the issue.
The ministry team offered a handwritten assurance that the VC would face a time-bound inquiry, but the protesters want a formal and official written order from the Centre.
Students at Tezpur University have been protesting for 79 days, demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh.
A Ministry of Education team, led by UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi and Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, was blocked by protesters on December 6.
Protesters demanded a written assurance for the VC's removal and a time-bound inquiry, leading to a three-hour standoff.
The protest has led to the cancellation of all end-term examinations, with support from the university's teachers and staff.
The situation has been tense since September, with allegations of financial irregularities, weak administration, and damage to infrastructure under Singh's administration.
- Who
- Students, teachers, and non-teaching staff of Tezpur University, led by the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF)
- What
- Protest against Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, blocking an Education Ministry delegation
- When
- Since September 2023, with the latest incident on December 6, 2023
- Where
- Tezpur University, Assam
- Why
- Demanding the removal of the Vice-Chancellor over alleged financial irregularities, weak administration, and damage to infrastructure
Protesters
Education Ministry
VC Removal
Protesters
Demand immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and a formal written order from the Centre.
Education Ministry
Offered a handwritten assurance that the VC would face a time-bound inquiry and not administer the university during the investigation.
Pro-VC Appointment
Protesters
Opposed the appointment of a Pro-VC, alleging it was a decision under the current VC's leadership.
Education Ministry
Advised the appointment of a Pro-VC to oversee university administration during the inquiry.
- Location
- Tezpur University, Assam
- Date
- December 6, 2023
- Protest Duration
- 79 days
- Protest Leaders
- Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF)
- Key Demand
- Removal of Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh
- Allegations
- Financial irregularities, weak administration, damage to infrastructure
- Ministry Team
- Led by UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi and Education Secretary Vineet Joshi
- University Response
- Examinations cancelled, faculty and staff support for strike
- Acting VC
- Professor Dhruba Kumar Bhattacharya
Sources
VC row: Students at Assam’s Tezpur University prevent education ministry team from leaving campus
Education Ministry team lands in crisis-hit Tezpur University – with a protest to welcome them
