TEZPUR – Tensions at Tezpur University reached a fever pitch this Sunday as faculty, staff, and students united in a 24-hour hunger strike. The protest, led by the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA) and the Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA), marks the 100th day of sustained demonstrations against what stakeholders describe as a total collapse of administrative accountability.
The strike, which began at midnight and is scheduled to conclude at 11:59 PM, follows months of unsuccessful attempts to engage university leadership through peaceful petitions and official inquiries.
Key Grievances: An “Absentee” Leadership
The core of the protesters’ frustration lies with Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh. Stakeholders have raised the following concerns:
- Prolonged Absence: Protesters allege the Vice-Chancellor has been absent for an extended period, leaving a leadership vacuum.
- Administrative Decay: This lack of oversight has reportedly led to “administrative destruction,” stalling academic progress and damaging employee morale.
- Lack of Accountability: Stakeholders claim that higher authorities have shielded those in power while ignoring the democratic voices of the university community.
A Struggle for Institutional Integrity
The agitation has evolved from a local dispute into a broader demand for transparency in public institutions. Protesters emphasized that their movement is not just about internal logistics but about the moral responsibility of the governing system.
“Fatigue or time will not weaken our demand for accountability,” a spokesperson stated. “This is about restoring public trust and ensuring that institutional integrity is not sacrificed for individual protection.”
Looking Forward
Despite the 100-day milestone, the university community remains resolute. The hunger strike serves as an urgent plea for national intervention to resolve the governance crisis and safeguard the future of the students and the institution.
As of now, the university administration has not issued an official response to the 24-hour strike or the allegations of prolonged absenteeism.
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