Centre Appoints IIT Guwahati Prof Amrendra Kumar Das as Pro-VC of Tezpur University
On January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Education announced the appointment of Professor Amrendra Kumar Das from IIT Guwahati as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University. This decision comes amid an ongoing administrative crisis and various allegations surrounding the Assam-based central university.
Background of the Appointment
Professor Das has been serving in the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati. His new role as Pro-Vice-Chancellor will be effective immediately, as per the official communication issued by the Department of Higher Education, Government of India. The terms and conditions of his service will adhere to the provisions outlined in the Tezpur University Act, Statutes, and Ordinances.
Administrative Crisis at Tezpur University
The appointment of Professor Das is part of a broader effort by the Ministry to address the administrative issues plaguing Tezpur University. An official memorandum has been issued that constitutes a high-level enquiry committee under Section 9 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993. This committee is tasked with investigating the current situation at the university, including the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor.
Enquiry Committee Details
The enquiry committee will be led by Professor Lokendra Singh, the Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University. Other members include:
- Professor Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University
- Professor Manish R. Joshi, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC)
The committee has been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation into the findings and recommendations of a previous Fact-Finding Committee report submitted to the Office of the Chancellor. It will also look into the circumstances that have led to the current crisis, including resignations and changes in university leadership.
Immediate Actions Taken
As part of the measures to stabilize the situation, the Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University has been directed to recuse himself from all official responsibilities and take leave pending the completion of the enquiry. The committee is authorized to visit the university campus, meet with stakeholders, review relevant documents, and examine any other matters deemed necessary.
Timeline for the Enquiry
The Ministry of Education has requested the enquiry committee to submit its report as soon as possible, with a maximum deadline of three months from the date of the memorandum’s issuance. The UGC will provide secretarial support for the committee’s activities, and the Ministry has instructed Tezpur University authorities to extend full cooperation and assistance to the committee.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Professor Amrendra Kumar Das and the establishment of the enquiry committee signify a direct intervention by the Centre aimed at restoring administrative stability at Tezpur University. This move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing governance-related concerns and ensuring that the university can function effectively.
Implications for Tezpur University
Tezpur University has faced various challenges in recent times, and the appointment of a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor is expected to bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the ongoing issues. The outcome of the enquiry could lead to significant changes in the university’s administration and governance structure.
Community Reactions
The announcement has garnered mixed reactions from the university community and stakeholders. Some view the appointment as a positive step towards resolving the administrative crisis, while others remain cautious about the effectiveness of the enquiry process and the potential for meaningful change.
Future Prospects
The future of Tezpur University will largely depend on the findings of the enquiry committee and the actions taken based on those findings. The university community is hopeful that the new leadership will foster an environment conducive to academic growth and administrative efficiency.
Conclusion
The appointment of Professor Amrendra Kumar Das as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University is a significant development in the context of the ongoing administrative crisis. With the establishment of a high-level enquiry committee, there is hope for a thorough investigation and resolution of the issues at hand. The coming months will be crucial for the university as it seeks to regain stability and restore confidence among its stakeholders.
Note: This article is based on the latest available information as of January 1, 2026, and may be subject to updates as new developments arise.

