Tezpur University unrest deepens as finance officer exits for new role in Sikkim University

Tezpur University’s ongoing unrest took a new turn this month as its Finance Officer, Braja Bandhu Mishra — whose continuation in office was among the key points of contention — formally left the institution and assumed a new role at Sikkim University as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to its Vice-Chancellor.

Mishra had been serving at Tezpur University on an extension after his superannuation in May. He was quoted a s saying that he decided to seek relief from his post after being subjected to protests, including “Go back” chants directed at him, and applied to several institutions after submitting his notice on October 30.

“I did not ask for the extension; it was given to me on the last day of service,” he said, adding that he had faced hostility because he objected to “irregular bills” from various departments. “There have been no irregularities on my part in more than five years of service,” he maintained.

Sikkim University had advertised the one-year contractual OSD post on October 19, seeking retired Level-14 officers from Central Autonomous Institutes. Nine candidates applied, four were shortlisted, and Mishra was selected following interviews conducted on November 11.

Vice-Chancellor Santanu Kumar Swain said the appointment was driven by urgent administrative requirements. “Several key posts — including registrar, finance officer, and internal audit officer — have been vacant. We needed someone with experience in central universities. The selection was based solely on institutional need,” he said.

At Tezpur University, demonstrations by students and faculty, which began in late September, have intensified into a full-fledged movement demanding accountability and leadership changes.

Protesters have accused Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh of financial irregularities, prolonged absence from campus, administrative stagnation, deteriorating infrastructure, and disruption of academic functioning.

The Tezpur University Teachers’ Association had also flagged Mishra’s extended tenure in its memorandum to the Ministry of Education last month — one of several issues cited. The fact-finding committees formed by the Ministry and the Assam Governor to probe the turmoil had recorded Mishra’s statements before his departure. Registrar-in-charge Chandan Goswami confirmed he officially relinquished charge on November 30.

As Mishra moves into his new role elsewhere, Tezpur University remains in the grip of crisis — its administration fractured, its protests undiminished, and its future course still uncertain.