Assam: Centre appoints IIT Guwahati Professor as Pro-VC of Tezpur University

Assam: Centre Appoints IIT Guwahati Professor as Pro-VC of Tezpur University

In a significant development for higher education in Assam, the Ministry of Education has appointed Professor Amrendra Kumar Das from IIT Guwahati as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University. This appointment comes amid ongoing administrative challenges and allegations surrounding the university, signaling a direct intervention by the central government to restore stability and governance.

Background of the Appointment

On January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Education issued an official communication announcing the appointment of Prof. Das, who is currently serving in the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati. The decision was made in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Tezpur University Act, Statutes, and Ordinances. The competent authority approved the appointment, which is effective immediately.

Administrative Crisis at Tezpur University

The appointment of Prof. Das comes at a critical time for Tezpur University, which is facing an administrative crisis. The Ministry has also ordered a high-level enquiry to investigate the ongoing issues at the university, which include various allegations against the current Vice-Chancellor. The situation has raised concerns about governance and operational stability within the institution.

Formation of the Enquiry Committee

In conjunction with Prof. Das’s appointment, the Ministry of Education has constituted a three-member Enquiry Committee under Section 9 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993. This committee is tasked with examining all issues related to the current crisis at the university. The members of the committee include:

Prof. Lokendra Singh – Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University (Chair)
Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik – Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University
Prof. Manish R. Joshi – Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC)

Immediate Actions Taken

The memorandum issued by the Ministry also directed the current Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University to recuse himself from all official responsibilities and proceed on leave with immediate effect. This decision is pending the completion of the enquiry. The committee will conduct a thorough review of the findings and recommendations from a previous Fact-Finding Committee report submitted to the Office of the Chancellor.

Scope of the Enquiry

The Enquiry Committee has been authorized to:

Visit the Tezpur University campus.
Interact with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, and students.
Scrutinize relevant documents and records.
Examine any other matters deemed pertinent to the enquiry.

Timeline and Expectations

The Ministry has instructed the committee to submit its report within a maximum period of three months from the date of the memorandum. The UGC will provide secretarial support to the committee, and Tezpur University authorities have been directed to extend full cooperation and assistance to facilitate the enquiry.

Significance of the Developments

The recent developments at Tezpur University reflect the central government’s proactive approach to addressing governance-related concerns in higher education institutions. By appointing a qualified individual like Prof. Das and establishing an enquiry committee, the Ministry aims to restore administrative stability and ensure that the university can effectively fulfill its educational mandate.

Impact on Tezpur University

The appointment of a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the formation of an enquiry committee are expected to have several implications for Tezpur University:

Restoration of Governance: The involvement of the central government may help restore order and governance at the university.
Focus on Academic Integrity: The enquiry aims to address any misconduct and ensure that academic integrity is upheld.
Engagement with Stakeholders: The committee’s interactions with stakeholders will provide insights into the university’s challenges and potential solutions.

Conclusion

The appointment of Professor Amrendra Kumar Das as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University marks a pivotal moment for the institution as it navigates through an administrative crisis. The Ministry of Education’s intervention, through the establishment of an enquiry committee, underscores the importance of governance and stability in higher education. As the situation unfolds, the outcomes of the enquiry will be crucial in shaping the future of Tezpur University and its ability to serve its academic community effectively.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on official communications and reports as of January 1, 2026.

Article Source

Disclaimer: IIT Buzz provides news and information for general awareness purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of any content. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of IIT Buzz. We are not liable for any actions taken based on the information published. Content may be updated or changed without prior notice.