Tezpur University Students Sit For End-Term Exams Amid Ongoing Shutdown

Students at Assam’s Tezpur University (TU) have agreed to take their end-term exams while continuing a shutdown of all other activities. They are demanding an investigation into alleged financial misconduct by Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh and his removal.

The students expressed “deep disappointment and concern” over the Ministry of Education’s prolonged delay in responding to their protest, which has now lasted over 85 days.

A member of the Tezpur University United Forum (TUUF), a group of students, teachers, and staff leading the protests, stated that the decision to sit for the exams was made out of respect for the acting Vice-Chancellor Dhurba Kumar Bhattacharya, who took over the role on December 5 based on the Tezpur University Act,

1993, reported PTI.

The exams, originally scheduled for December 3-15, have now started from Thursday with a similar timetable. Despite this, the university will remain shut for all other activities.

Protests will resume after the exams, with an even stricter shutdown planned, including the closure of all campus facilities such as banks, ATMs, and the post office.

In a statement, TUUF criticised the Ministry of Education for delaying an official response despite informal assurances of an inquiry. The forum questioned the ministry’s commitment to students’ futures and accused it of possibly protecting Singh.

TUUF stated that only a transparent and timely official response can restore trust and stability at Tezpur University. The university, located in Sonitpur district, has been completely shut down since November 29 due to demands for the VC’s removal and an investigation into his actions.

Tensions at the university have been high since mid-September, following accusations that the VC and university authorities disrespected cultural icon Zubeen Garg during the state’s mourning period. Besides financial misconduct, protesters are also opposing alleged deforestation under Singh’s administration.

The university will remain closed until the Centre formally communicates the VC’s removal. Singh stopped coming to the campus after a confrontation with students on September 22, which nearly led to his departure from the site.

On December 4, Singh held a virtual Board of Management meeting and appointed Mass Communication Professor Joya Chakraborty as the pro-VC, a position she declined.