Fresh allegations of corruption and abuse of power have surfaced against Tezpur University Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, deepening the crisis at the central university already reeling from widespread protests by students, faculty, and staff. What began as a movement over the alleged insult to late cultural icon Zubeen Garg has now spiraled into a full-blown controversy exposing alleged irregularities, manipulation, and administrative misconduct.
Illegal Appointment Under Scrutiny
According to multiple sources within the university, Prof. Singh is accused of playing a direct role in the illegal appointment of Dr. Goma Devi Sharma as Assistant Professor in the Department of Hindi, allegedly violating UGC norms and Tezpur University’s recruitment procedures.
Documents reportedly show that Dr. Sharma’s name did not appear in the original list of shortlisted candidates for the interview held on September 25, 2023. However, the Vice Chancellor allegedly instructed the screening committee chairperson, Prof. Raza Rafiqul Haque, to add six more names—including Dr. Sharma’s—just before the interview.
Violation of Eligibility Criteria
The university’s job advertisement required candidates with a diploma or degree in translation and linguistics—qualifications Dr. Sharma reportedly does not possess.
Moreover, her ten-year teaching experience certificate allegedly lacks proof of employment under UGC pay scales, a mandatory criterion for such posts.
Records further suggest that Dr. Sharma was employed at Army Public School, Narengi, Guwahati, during the same period she claimed full-time collegiate teaching experience—raising doubts about the authenticity of her credentials.
Just two days before the interview, on September 23, 2023, a complaint email from one Shraddha Rahi reportedly alerted senior university officials about possible malpractice. Despite this, the Vice Chancellor allegedly suppressed the complaint and ensured that no inquiry was initiated.
On the day of the interview, departmental experts were replaced with panelists allegedly handpicked by Prof. Singh, bypassing the list of approved subject experts. Sources claim that several deserving candidates were sidelined as the Vice Chancellor pushed for Dr. Sharma’s selection.
Previously Rejected, Now Favoured
This was not Dr. Sharma’s first attempt to secure the same post. Her application in 2021 was rejected during shortlisting due to invalid experience certificates and insufficient publications.
Despite these earlier findings, she was shortlisted and selected in 2023—this time allegedly under the direct influence of the Vice Chancellor.
Preferential Treatment and Staff Harassment
Following her appointment, Dr. Sharma was reportedly granted a hostel warden post and allotted university quarters, overlooking senior faculty members waiting for years. The decision, allegedly approved by Prof. Singh himself, has fueled resentment within the academic community.
Faculty sources allege that those who raised questions about the appointment have since faced systematic harassment, including delays in promotions and biased administrative actions.
“Anyone who questions him faces intimidation or professional setbacks,” another faculty member claimed.
Campus Unrest and Demands for Accountability
The allegations come amid ongoing campus protests, initially sparked by the perceived insult to late singer Zubeen Garg but now centered on demands for transparency, accountability, and the removal of the Vice Chancellor.
Once regarded as a model of academic excellence in Assam, Tezpur University now finds itself embroiled in controversy and administrative turmoil. The fresh allegations of nepotism and corruption against the Vice Chancellor have intensified calls for a central inquiry and immediate intervention by the Ministry of Education.
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