IIT Guwahati’s Prof Amarendra Kumar Das named Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University

On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Education announced the appointment of Professor Amarendra Kumar Das from IIT Guwahati as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University, located in Assam. This decision comes amidst ongoing issues and allegations regarding the university’s administration, prompting the establishment of a high-level enquiry committee to investigate these matters.

Appointment Details

Professor Das, who is currently serving in the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, will assume his new role with immediate effect. The terms of his service will be governed by the provisions outlined in the Tezpur University Act, Statutes, and Ordinances. The appointment has received approval from the competent authority within the Ministry of Education.

Enquiry Committee Formation

On the same day as Professor Das’s appointment, the Ministry also issued an Office Memorandum that established an Enquiry Committee under Section 9 of the Tezpur University Act, 1993. This committee is tasked with examining all matters related to the ongoing crisis at Tezpur University, including allegations against the current Vice-Chancellor.

Committee Composition

The three-member enquiry committee will be chaired by:

• Prof. Lokendra Singh – Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University
• Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik – Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University
• Prof. Manish R. Joshi – Secretary of the University Grants Commission

Vice-Chancellor’s Leave

As part of the enquiry process, the Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University has been directed to recuse himself from all official duties and take immediate leave. He will remain on leave until the enquiry is completed.

Objectives of the Enquiry Committee

The committee has been assigned several critical tasks, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive enquiry into the findings and recommendations of a previous Fact-Finding Committee report submitted to the Office of the Chancellor.
• Examining the circumstances that led to the current crisis at Tezpur University, including the recent resignations and changes in the roles of various university officials.
• Visiting the university campus to meet with stakeholders, review relevant documents, and investigate any additional matters deemed necessary.

Timeline for Reporting

The enquiry committee has been instructed to submit its report within a maximum period of three months from the date of the Office Memorandum. The University Grants Commission will provide secretarial assistance to the committee, while the authorities at Tezpur University are expected to fully cooperate and provide all required documents and assistance.

Significance of the Developments

These developments indicate a direct intervention by the Central Government aimed at stabilizing the administration of Tezpur University and addressing the concerns raised regarding its governance and operational effectiveness. The appointment of Professor Das and the formation of the enquiry committee reflect a commitment to restoring order and accountability within the university’s administration.

Conclusion

The appointment of Professor Amarendra Kumar Das as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the institution. The establishment of the enquiry committee underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in higher education governance. As the committee begins its work, the academic community and stakeholders await the outcomes of this investigation, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Tezpur University.

Note: This article is based on information available as of December 31, 2025, and may be subject to updates as new developments arise.